The Egglestons

We'll always be Georgia Peaches, even if we don't live in the state!

2011-10-27T22:28:00.003-04:00

As you know, Dusty and I are/were on the move, again! This makes 3 places, 3 towns, and 2 states in the year 2011! The movers came last Tuesday and Wednesday and packed up our stuff and moved us to Raeford, North Carolina (Fort Bragg). They were at our house both Tuesday and Wednesday for hours, but finally got us all packed up. Layla, Paisley and myself were locked up in the guest room while they were moving the stuff. They took the front and side doors off the hinges so we stayed in the guest room with the baby gate up so the girls couldn't get out. Let's just say I got a lot of reading done while stuck in there! And of course, the girls slept most the day, when they weren't whining to get out! After the movers left on Wednesday, Dusty couldn't sign out of work until Saturday, so we stayed with our friends, Amy and Brandon, Wednesday through Saturday morning. Dusty's MCCC (Captain's Career Course) graduation was on Friday morning. He did really well during the 6 month course. He was in the top 20% who make the Commadant's list (an A avergae the entire course). I am so proud of him, and know he definitely earned it. Friday night, we got our last Georgia BBQ fix with our friends Amy and Brandon and also our friend Amanda,who now lives in Birmingham. It was a really sad goodbye leaving them. Amy and Brandon's little girl, who is a little over 2, kept giving us hugs and kisses as we were leaving. Of course, she thought we were coming back. We got up Saturday morning and drove to Dalton to spend time with my family. My mom was out of town on a choir trip, but we hung out with my dad, Grandpa, sister, her husband and my nephew. It was so good to see everyone. We stayed outside most of Saturday in the nice fall weather. We rode the 4wheeler (even Layla and Paisley, and Branton took a ride), walked through the woods, and went out to eat with my dad. That night we babysat Branton while Rachel and Beau (my sister and her husband) had their 10 year high school reunion. Branton is so much fun! He is 15 months old; runs wherever he goes and is just so much fun to be around! Sunday, Dusty and I got up and made the 7.5 hour drive to Fayetteville. We stayed the night in a hotel and Monday morning, got the keys to the house and met the movers and got to work. Dusty and I worked hard most of this week and got everything in place. We had dinner with James, Dusty's good friend from West Point, Monday night. Then James' mother came into town and we had dinner with her and some other guys tonight. We've been busy, but also have had some down time. Tomorrow, Greg, Dusty's other friend from West POint, will be coming into town from Savannah and hanging out with us. Any chance the three of them, and me, can get together, we do. It's rare that they are all in the states together, and within driving distance. Greg is stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah and James is here at Fort Bragg. We are excited to live in the same town as James, and be only a few hours from Greg! On top of moving, I got a phone call on Friday afternoon for a job offer on post. I did accept it and I will be working at the Child, Youth and School Services as a Program Assistant. I am looking forward to working with children and youth, along with their families, on post. And learning more about what I'll be doing. I don't have a start date yet, but hopefully it will be soon! Thank you for all your love, support and prayers!!! (Pictures to come, hopefully)

Our time in Georgia is coming to an end...

2011-10-13T12:59:00.002-04:00

Dusty and I went to North Carolina last weekend to check out the area, and most importantly, find a house. We succeeded in all areas and will be moving next weekend to Fort Bragg. We will be living there for about a year and a half while Dusty is in the Q course. We have been lucky over the last four years and have lived in Georgia the whole time, except for 3 months in Missouri. Our time in Georgia is coming to an end. I have lived in Georgia my whole life, except for the time in Missouri, so it's kinda bittersweet for me to be leaving and moving to NC. I think will we have a great time in NC; I've heard all good things about Fort Bragg, the surrounding towns, and NC as a whole. We are looking forward to the change- a new state, town, house, job, adventures and friends! We will be further away from family, but will be surrounded by good friends and more to come. I will keep you all updated once we are there and settled. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support!

Wild Animal Safari

2011-08-24T11:12:00.038-04:00

Dusty, Amy, Brandon, Maddie and myself went to the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, GA. It was a BLAST!!! If you haven't been, you should go, whether you have small children or not. I know the four of us "grown ups" enjoyed it more than Maddie, who is 2! We rented a van, that would be the snazzy zebra 1992 Dodge Caravan with only bars for windows, and piled in with our cameras, 4 bags of animal food, and wet wipes, and boy was I glad the mom of the group thought to bring wet wipes. Thanks Amy! Dusty volunteered to drive and he was such a good sport about it. He had to drive really slow 1. because of the 5 mph speed limit, 2. there were animals everywhere that would just walk in front of the van and 3. we took endless pictures, which you can see below, sorry! The animals would stick their head through the bars and into the van to get us to feed them! And boy were they hungry! The animals we saw were: an American Alligator (sorry no pics of this- it was at the second part of the park which was a walkabout.); an American Black Bear (also at the walkabout); several American Buffaloes; several Blackbuck Antelopes; Black Mane Lion (caged); 2 Camels (also caged); a Liger (who, besides me and Amy, thought that Napoleon Dynamite made this up?? He didn't, it's real! Don't worry, he too was caged); Capuchin (a little monkey who was caged); Coati/Coatimundi (raccoon- like carnivore, also caged); Elks; Giraffe; several Grevy's Zebras; 3 Kangaroos (caged in the walkabout); Rhinoceros (caged); and lastly a couple Siberian Tigers (caged). Most of the animals were out running around and we could feed from our hands, but not the Zebra's and a couple others- they bite. They also had Cows, Longhorns, Deer, Pot-bellied Pigs and Piglets, Llamas, Emus, Baboon (caged in the walkabout). Funny story and probably the highlight of the trip if you ask everyone but me. I was feeding a Llama and Amy made a comment to be careful because they spit...yup...sure enough, the Llama spit his food out all over me! It went on my chest, neck, face, mouth, yup, pretty disgusting!!! Luckily, or unfortunately, no one was taking a picture at that moment so we have no documentation, but it really did happen. The last picture with me holding the pink t-shirt up that says "I Got Slobbered", that's from the Llama. We just had the best time!!! I recommend everyone going!!!

It's That Time of Year Again...

2011-04-21T18:45:00.036-04:00

We have moved! Yes, you read that right. We are no longer in Savannah at Fort Stewart. We have moved to Fort Benning, GA (Columbus)...closer to both Dalton and Memphis! Dusty will start the Captains Career Course May 15. It lasts approximately 6 months. Yes you read that right too...we will only be in Columbus for 6 months before packing up and moving to Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Fayetteville).

I will be between Columbus and Savannah until the middle of June. I am finishing the school year up with my parapro job at the elementary school in Savannah and will visit on the weekends.

We house hunted a couple weeks ago in Columbus for about 5 hours and finally settled on the house we are in. We love it! Since being married, we have lived in a 15X8 in Summerland Key, FL; a duplex on post at Ft. Benning with Greg and James; another duplex on post at Ft. Leonard Wood (Missouri); a townhouse in Pooler, GA; and a 700 square foot apartment in Savannah for 4 months...so needless to say, we are ecstatic to have our OWN house, sharing NO walls with anyone, having our OWN backyard to run around in, throw the ball to the dogs (well just Paisley), sunbathe, and cook out. It has been great! I think we might be getting spoiled!

We moved in on Saturday and worked pretty hard moving in and setting things up with the help of about 4 other couples. I wanted to share the photos of the new house with you. We are really enjoying it!!!

We have already had company! My sister's husband, Beau Bray, and their 9 month old baby Branton, came for a quick visit Wednesday night to Thursday evening. While Beau went to the golf course Thursday morning for his golf lesson, Dusty and I put Branton in the stroller and went for a walk around the park near our house. It's so nice to be close to it. We walked about a mile, then let Branton swing and bounce on the little bouncer things (sorry, I cannot think of what they are really called). We shopped, ate BBQ, had frozen yogurt for dessert, and played in the backyard. We had a really nice visit with them.

Tomorrow, we are heading to the family beach house with Danny and Liz (Dusty's parents) for the weekend. I am currently on spring break and will go back to Savannah on Monday. Dusty starts work on Tuesday. Here are some pictures of the house and Branton. Hope they all fit! Enjoy!!!

Changes Already...

2011-03-06T19:52:00.002-05:00

As you all have already read below, Dusty and I will be moving a lot in the next 2 years. We are looking forward to the new posts we'll be stationed at and the new friends we'll make. We learned that instead of going to Fort Carson, Colorado for our group assignment, instead we'll be going to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, about 45 minutes from Nashville, Tennessee. We are really looking forward to it; being close to family and friends is a definite plus. Just wanted to update everyone and let you know of the changes. Everything else stays the same, but instead of Carson it's Campbell. Thanks for all your love and support!

2011-02-25T16:46:00.017-05:00

We have lots of exciting news to share with everyone! First off, Dusty made it through Special Forces Selection and Assessment and was selected to move forward in the training. This is a huge accomplishment and I am so proud of Dusty and always will be. He left on the 5th of February and tryouts/assessment/selection started on the 6th. He is now through and on his way home and I am anxious to hear more about it. All he said was "it was pretty crappy". So I can't wait to hear more about his adventure!

And so here is what the future looks like for us:

Sometime, don't really know when, in April/May/June time frame, we will be moving from Savannah to Fort Benning, GA (Columbus) for Captains Career Course. That will last about 6 months. From there we'll move to Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Fayetteville) for about 14 months. And then from there, we will move to our assigned location, which is, drum roll please.....

FORT CARSON, COLORADO

Dusty's language he'll be learning is Arabic and the geographical region he'll focus on is Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East, including Iraq.

We are so excited about what God has planned for our lives. Thank you so much to everyone who supports, prays, and loves us. It means the world and we love you!!!

2011-02-21T19:33:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, February 9, I had a job interview for a parapro position (in a kindergarten class) at Marshpoint Elementary School in Savannah. The interview went well and last Monday, the principle called and offered me the job. I said yes and am so excited! She said I would start immediately, so with me being in Dalton, I hopped in the car and came back to Savannah....and played the waiting game. A whole week has passed and I still haven't started. Saturday morning, I had to go to Savannah Tech and take the GA Work Ready Exam. After 2.5 hrs of testing, I received the Gold Certificate. I am hoping to start sometime this week. I am anxious to start working, being around children, using my degree, making money, having something to do, meeting new people, and so on. And the best thing is, Dusty has NO idea....I know he'll be surprised and proud. He will be home either Friday or Saturday of this week...WOO HOO! I'm ready for him to be home and get back to being together. When I hear about the outcome of SFAS (where Dusty has been for the past 2.5 weeks), I will be sure to let everyone know. After all, it is the answer to our future, especially the next 2-5 yrs of our lives. We'll see what God has in store for us. Thanks to everyone for your love and support!

As of the New Year...

2011-02-05T13:37:00.014-05:00

Dusty is on yet another adventure...SFAS (Special Forces Assessment and Selection). I just got back from dropping him off at the airport. He flies from Savannah to Charlotte, then on to Fayetteville, NC and Sunday will start the 3 weeks of training at Fort Bragg. He is trying out for Special Forces, so please everyone keep him in your thoughts and prayers. No care packages, letters, cards, or phone calls are needed for this one. I'll talk to him today and maybe tomorrow morning and that will be it until February 25 or 26.

Since Dusty has been back...we celebrated New Years Eve downtown Savannah at the Weston with several of our close friends, including Dusty's (and mine now) two best friends from West Point, James and Greg. We had a lot of fun! It was the first time since August 2007 that James, Greg, and Dusty all spent time together. James and Greg actually spent the weekend with us when Dusty got back from Iraq, so I guess this was technically the second time, ha!

Dusty had time off from work for Christmas through Jan 18. We had a nice long break of getting acclimated to living together again, grocery shopping, paying bills, and just hanging out. We took it easy, slept late, rented movies, and just spent time with one another.

Dusty, Greg, and I went to the Savannah Hockey Classic in Savannah on January 14. Georgia Ice Dawgs were playing the Florida Gators...and Georgia won, duh! Just kidding all you Florida fans. That was the first hockey game I had ever been to, and Dusty and Greg hadn't been to one since West Point. We had fun!

Saturday, January 22, Dusty and I went to Jacksonville and watched Wesley, Dusty's cousin, play soccer. We got there in time for lunch and then after lunch, we watched Wes play soccer for a couple hours. Then we went to dinner with Wes and Trish and their 3 friends, and after dinner we hit the road back to Savannah. Even though we were in Florida, it was pretty cold that day. We were all bundled up!

Dusty is now, or was, back in the swing of things with work. There for a while he was only working half days, but he is back in the groove of full days. I am currently job searching...we'll see how that goes! So far, no job, but I'll keep my fingers crossed! While Dusty is away for 3 weeks, I'll be spending my time between Savannah and Dalton visiting family. My cousin Corey is on her way down here now to spend a few days with me...I am so excited. Then we'll both be heading back to Dalton and I'll be there for the better part of two weeks. Then it will be time to come back home to Savannah to get Dusty! I'm excited to go home and see my family, especially my sweet nephew, Branton! He is 6 1/2 months old, I cannot believe it. My cousin, Leigh Anne is getting married March 11, and so we are having her Bachelorette party in downtown Atlanta in a couple weeks. Me, Kim and Rachel will all have a chance to hang out together with all the other girls. I have a lot to keep me busy and look forward to while Dusty is gone.

Dusty and I celebrated Valentine's Day last Sunday evening with dinner at a Japanese Steak house in Savannah and dessert at the Melting Pot. Everything was yummy!!! This is our 6th Valentine's Day together and we have yet to spend it on the actual day! Maybe the 7th will be our lucky year!

It was much easier leaving him today, only because he was not going to IRAQ. Yes, he'll be outside in the rain and mud and maybe even snow, not getting a lot of sleep, or food, and having to ruck with a lot of weight on his back for miles, BUT it still isn't Iraq, so I have a little better feeling in my stomach.

Dusty will be back at the end of February. As I said before, there is no contact whatsoever, through phone, letters, computer, packages, nothing. I will definitely let everyone know what the outcome is when I know. Thanks so much for your love and support.

One day I'll learn how to post pictures in order of events. Sorry!.

The Cutest Little Nephew Ever!!!

2010-12-17T09:59:00.007-05:00

James "Branton" Bray- 7/16/10

We are family!

2010-12-16T08:55:00.003-05:00

The Roy girls...even though 2 of us have different last names now...we'll always be the Roy girls!

The Egglestons: Dusty, Monica, Layla & Paisley

Dusty's Homeoming 12/10/10

2010-12-15T16:02:00.001-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Dusty's Home!!!

2010-12-15T15:47:00.004-05:00

Dusty flew into Hunter Army Airfield Thursday night around 8:50 pm. He was surprised to be greeted by one of his best friends from West Point, Greg Holownia. Dusty was very surprised. On my way to pick him up at Ft. Stewart, Greg called my phone and I answered by asking if he saw Dusty. He said yes, and then said "babe, this is Dusty!" Such a great surprise getting to hear his voice and knowing he was on US land. His mom and dad, my mom and dad, myself, and Greg and Tim (Dusty's dad's friends from college) all greeted Dusty at Ft. Stewart around 11:30 pm. It was freezing out there! We were bundled up with a banner and American flags. It's hard to explain, but the guys got off the buses behind trees and marched through the trees to us, stood in formation, sang the 3rd ID song- The Dog Face Soldier song, and the Army song. Then it was time to go out in the crazy swarm of ACU's and find Dusty. I got so lost and turned around I stood there, and finally, my dad picked Dusty out of the crowd and led me to him. It was the best feeling seeing him and then hugging and stealing a quick kiss! After visiting for a few minutes, we walked over to where the buses were parked so Dusty could get his ruck sack and duffel bag, and it was on to the house. We met back up with everyone at....dum, dum, dum, dah....ChickfilA...Dusty's all-time most favorite place to eat! We hung out the rest of the day with family and then that night, my sisters, Kim and Rachel, Rachel's husband Beau, and their baby Branton. That night, we had dinner with the family and Greg and James (best friends from West Point) and James' girlfriend Anne. We had a really good time. Dusty, Greg, and James, aka the tripod, had not been together since August of 2007! We all had a really great time. Dusty is now back to work for reintegration for several days. The good thing is he does half days, 7:30-12, and we get to hang out for the rest of the afternoon and evening. It is so great to have him back home. Thank you to each and every one of you who have prayed, supported and loved Dusty and I. Also, thank you for the calls, care packages, and letters. He loved each and everything he received while in Iraq. I feel so blessed and thankful to have him back home safe!

2010-10-17T00:04:00.001-04:00

Remember: No packages after October 22!!!!!! So exciting!!!!!!!

Locks of Love

2010-09-19T21:59:00.012-04:00

Thursday, I cut off 13 inches and donated 10 1/2 to Locks of Love (a foundation that makes wigs for children). My hair was so long that it is going to take me a while to get used to this new, short do. I surprised Dusty and didn't tell him when I was cutting my hair off. When we skyped on Saturday, he was surprised to see I had no hair, haha, but liked it! I was a little worried what his reaction was going to be and I wanted to see his facial expressions. It was hilarious and a good surprise!

Also, today is my 26th birthday. I spent it with Mom, Dad, Kim, Rachel, Beau, Branton and my Grandpa. Grandpa turned 86 yesterday. We went to Provino's for lunch and had GiGi's cupcakes....yummmmy!!!! Dusty got me prescriptioned sunglasses, an iTunes card and a little shopping trip to go get a new birthday outfit (that would be the gray dress). Mom and dad got me Alegria clogs....can't wait for cooler weather to wear them. Here are a few pictures from Thursday and today. Hope you all enjoy!

R&R

2010-08-07T17:30:00.012-04:00

(Once again, not sure why the blog turned out this way...can't get the posting before the pics, but I hope you enjoy! And the pictures start from the end of R&R and go to the beginning, sorry!)
One of the happiest days of my life, July 22, when Dusty came home for his 2 week R&R. We met him at the Atlanta airport with hugs and kisses! It was so good to see him. After getting him, after all it was only 8:00 am, we went to his favorite place in the US...ChickfilA! After breakfast, we went to my sister Rachel's house for Dusty to meet his nephew, Branton. Ok, I won't write every detail of every day...but we hung out in Chattanooga with our families for the weekend, celebrated Dusty's 26th birthday (August 11), and relaxed. On Monday, Dusty and I drove down to Savannah and stayed at our friend Greg's apartment (he is currently deployed to Afghanistan). We went to Charleston for a couple days, to Tybee beach and played putt putt with our friend James and his girlfriend and sister in law, and daughter. We also went to Jacksonville for the day and had lunch with Dusty's Grandmother and Aunt and 2 of her kids. So good seeing them! For the most part, Dusty and I soaked up as much time with each other as possible, sleeping in, eating good, and a lot, reading, doing our normal errands/routines in Savannah, and just hanging out and enjoying each other's company. It was hard to say goodbye to him this morning at the airport, but we made it. Now, just 4 months to go and we'll be back in Savannah (Ft. Stewart). We'll see where God leads us with the military life...thanks so much everyone for the prayers, love, support, care packages, phone calls, etc. We love you all very much. Enjoy the pics!

Dusty's Promotion to Captain- June 1, 2010

2010-06-24T14:08:00.010-04:00

3 years and a Captain later...

2010-06-07T23:21:00.003-04:00

That's right, Dusty was promoted to Captain on June 1, 2010, after hitting his 3 year mark in the Army. I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Remember this now changes his mailing address to CPT. Dustin Eggleston. Thank you for all the love and support and prayers. He, and we, couldn't do it without all of you. I only have one picture at the moment of his promotion ceremony and so when I get more, I will be sure to post them.

2010-05-06T21:53:00.002-04:00

Quick update: Dusty is doing well, keeping extremely busy, but definitely making a difference over there. Thank you to everyone who has sent packages and cards to him. He really enjoys them and both of us appreciate it.
He made the Special Forces tryout list and will go tryout in March 2011. I am so proud of him! Everything is in God's hands and we will see where this leads us.
I can't believe it is already May! The time has gone by pretty fast, now that it's May. Dusty said one day over the phone that it "seemed like yesterday was December 17th and I blinked and now it's today." I said, "really...I've taken a few more blinks than that." In the beginning, especially February, was so slow. I remember at Christmas with the family opening my present for St. Maarten and thinking, "Wow, if I can just make it to that?"....and now I've gone and come back (which is was amazing and I had a WONDERFUL time). I hope the next 3 1/2- 4 months goes by quickly...Dusty will be here for his R&R and baby Branton will also be here (my sister Rachel is having a boy at the beginning of August).
Thank you to everyone who supports Dusty and me. You are all wonderful and we love you very much. Please continue to pray for Dusty; for his mental, physical, and emotional strength, as well as his safety. Continue to pray for all the military servicemen and women serving our country.

2010-04-11T22:06:00.004-04:00

Can't really see this picture too great, but its of tennis shoes (or cinder blocks ha) thrown over the electrical wire to get electricity to the work site...yea! Can we say sketchy? Wonder who's idea this was?

LT Young and Dusty stopped to take a picture with some school children on a location where a new school is being built that LT Young and Dusty are overseeing. These children will go to the new school once it is built.

Yup, that would be Dusty on a tractor...a Massey Ferguson at that! Something I bet you didn't expect to see him on all the way in Iraq.

2010-03-13T00:38:00.009-05:00

Dusty received a Combat Action Badge in February when an IED went off in front of his humvee. Because of their extensive training, no one was injured. Dusty and Iraqi children at a gas station.

Dusty meeting the children.

2010-02-07T17:18:00.001-05:00

Not sure why the blog below turned out the way it did...It didn't look that way when I previewed it and I can't seem to fix it to get it right! Sorry!

A View from Iraq

2010-02-07T16:14:00.028-05:00

Kuwait- where they all slept...Dusty took the picture from his sleeping cot

Baghdad sunset

Highway (like I-75) closed due to 3.5 million people walking for their pilgrimage

Dusty's office (view from his desk)

Dusty's room

HMMWV (Humvee) getting ready to go out on a mission

Route assessment mission

Stopped to give local children soccer balls and to speak with the locals...Dusty is taking the picture

Please continue to keep Dusty and all the other soldiers in your thoughts and prayers. They are doing an outstanding job in Iraq. Thanks to everyone for your support, letters, cards, packages, prayers and endless love.

Pictures

2010-01-27T07:39:00.005-05:00

Dusty at work...Enjoy!!!

New Zip Code

2010-01-26T20:46:00.001-05:00

Dusty has a new mailing address zip code. I sent it out in an email, but if I left you off, please let me know. Also, if you need his whole address again, let me know. Thanks!

Thank You!

2010-01-21T15:39:00.002-05:00

Dusty received his packages and letters today and he wanted me to tell you all thank you for thinking of him and sending him stuff! He really enjoyed each package and letter/card. He is finally settled at his mailing address FOB, where he'll be for a while. He is doing well, misses everyone, and says Hey and Love!

2010-01-09T14:52:00.010-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Dusty. The first picture is of him in Kuwait. The two smaller pictures, sorry they won't get bigger, are of Dusty and his good friend Brandon traveling and hanging out. The last picture is the most recent. He is traveling from the Baghdad International Airport. Dusty is doing well...we get to talk everyday and I love getting to hear from him. He tells everyone Hi! Please keep him in your prayers. He has been traveling quite a bit. He is not at his final FOB yet, but will be hopefully around the 14th/15th. Thank you so much for the prayers, support, and letters and packages to him. He will be surprised once he gets to his FOB and sees his mail. Love to all!

FREE Mailing boxes

2010-01-04T12:48:00.003-05:00

The post office has free boxes for shipping items to the military...you should check them out! You only pay for the postage. Also, my friend Amanda informed me that you can order boxes from USPS and have them mailed to your house, and they send you the flat rate boxes, the customs forms, mailing labels, and tape, all for free! When you call to order boxes, they give you a customer number so every time you call back you just give them that and they will mail you more boxes. The number is 1-800-610-8734. Just thought I would let you all know if you are interested in sending a package to Dusty! Thanks again!

2010-01-03T14:28:00.003-05:00

Dusty said we are able to mail him liquids and toiletries! When/if you are mailing him any of this stuff, make sure with the post office it's ok we mail him this stuff. He said they would know!

Liquids:
- Please NO alcohol!!!
- Gatorade
- Health shakes (Big Dan...Dusty says he likes the kind you drink)
- Java Monsters
- Starbucks drinks (I think those are the little glass bottles of coffee)

Toiletries:
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Razors
- Q-tips
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste

I can't say thank you enough to each and every one of you! Dusty and I appreciate it tremendously!!!

A Few Of His Favorite Things...

2010-01-03T00:19:00.003-05:00

Some of you have asked me what to put in a package for Dusty and so here are a few things. Please do not feel like you have to do any of it or all of it at once. Thank you for even caring enough to send him something! I know he will appreciate it! I told him he was about to be bombarded with packages and will probably get the same thing in most (that's ok, he can always share!), but these are the things that he likes. I don't know about sending liquids, like Gatorade, so I'll check and see if that would be ok...or if you are reading this and know the answer, please share. Toiletries, again, I'll have to check on and get back with you. Thanks again to each and every one of you!!! We really appreciate it!!!

- Chocolate Chips Ahoy (blue package)
- Trail Mix with M&M's and nuts
- Minty, watermelon, or strawberry flavored gum
- Peanut M&M's
- Peanut Butter M&M's
- Plain M&M's
- Pretty much any kind of M&M's
- Sudoku Puzzles
- International phone cards
- Magazines (Men's Health, workout magazines, etc.)
- Surprises!!!

2010-01-01T17:41:00.002-05:00

I have Dusty's address!!! I sent it in an email to most of you...if I forgot you (so sorry) and you would like his mailing address, let me know and I can email it to you! Thanks so much!

2009-12-27T22:15:00.001-05:00

Dusty has arrived in Iraq as of early this morning. I still have not received a mailing address, but as soon as I get one, I will pass it on. Please continue with the prayers! Thanks to all!

One M&M At A Time...

2009-12-18T15:29:00.002-05:00

You all must be wondering what the update with Dusty is. We said goodbye Thursday morning at 6:15, his plane was supposed to take off at 1:50, needless to say, many plane malfunctions, he is still on the ground at Hunter in Savannah. I just got off the phone with him and he will be taking off in about an hour. He will go to Newfoundland, then to Germany, then onto Kuwait, where he will be for about 3 weeks. Thank you all for the support and prayers. I want to give a huge thank you to my family and Dusty's family. We (I) could not have done it without you as you all know. The reason this blog is titled "One M&M At A Time" is because my mom, along with Kim and Dad, made Liz and I jars filled with 365 M&M's, tied with a yellow ribbon. We are to eat one, only 1 Liz, everyday as a way to countdown the days til he will be returning home. Now, we don't know exactly how many days he will be gone; could be less or more than 365, but it's a good guesstimate. Thank you all again to everyone reading this. Please keep Dusty and the rest of his battalion in your prayers. They are trained and ready for the tasks ahead!

Dusty's Party

2009-12-07T20:05:00.012-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came out for Dusty's party! We had a really great time seeing everyone and are thankful for each and every one of you! Here are a few pictures from the night. Remember, I will keep everyone updated about the deployment as I know the information. Please keep Dusty and I in your prayers!

Back in Ringgold...

2009-10-30T15:08:00.002-04:00

At the beginning of October, Dusty left for Ft. Irwin, California for training, and I went to stay with my parents in Ringgold. It was nice seeing all my family and hanging out with them. I got to see friends of the family I hadn't seen lately, meet new friends and people, and hang out with family! Layla and Paisley enjoyed themselves out on "the farm". Paisley couldn't run just in the yard; she always wanted to go in the pasture and then would never come back when you would call her, so she was stuck on the leash every time we went out. They did enjoy playing with Bertha and Ellie. It was mostly Bertha and Paisley playing. Paisley has gotten so big...she is now 7 lbs!!!! I can't believe it, but she is still so cute!
More of the things I did: My cousin Adam got married on October 2. It was a beautiful wedding out at Walnut Hill Farms ( I think I got the name right). Mom and I had a girls day and had lunch in Collegedale at End of the Garden Gate, a little tea room. Then we went shopping, which is always fun! I babysat a lot for Elli Grace, Anna, Jackson, and Jase...what fun kids! Many funny moments with them all!
One Sunday, me, mom, dad, and Kim all drove to Elijay after church to go to the Apple Festival. It was fun, cold, but fun. I had a funnel cake and we took a bag of apples home (they were soo yummy!).
Rachel, my older sister, is in a praise band at her church with her mother in law and another lady. Well they sang at the fair the last weekend I was home, so Dad and I went to hear her sing (Mom was out of town on a choir retreat). It was freezing that night!!! But they did an excellent job. After we left there, Dad and I went to a Halloween Party (bonfire thing) at some friends house that we go to church with. It was fun!
I learned how to pick turnip greens and cook them. A lady from her church took me to pick them and then the next day I went over to her house and she showed my how to cook them. Wash them 5 times, boil with salt, add oil and sugar and bouillion cubes, etc. They were pretty tasty!!!
Mom and I and Grandpa would go to breakfast/lunch once a week. It was good seeing my Grandpa and hanging out with him. I cooked supper a lot while I was home, and he would come over and eat most of the time.
I also made new friends. I hung out with my cousins and their friends, all of which have children and a little older than me, but thats ok. We had a lot of fun!
I also got to see my old roommate from Georgia Southern, Melissa. We first met at Dalton State in 2004 maybe, and have been friends ever since. She too is married to a man in the Army so we now have that in common. They are expecting their first baby, a baby boy, in February. Like Dusty, her husband is also deploying, so this next year, we will be seeing a lot of each other. She came up this past week and we had lunch and spent the day with each other. It was so nice to see her and visit with her. She is adorable pregnant!
Sorry this post is so long and I'm sure I left out many things I did, but that was most of it. Some days I did nothing and didn't get out of sweat pants until 4...nothing to do!
It's nice being back down in Savannah with Dusty. We are planning on taking a vacation soon. He has time off for 2 weeks, so that will be nice spending time with him.

Camping

2009-09-28T11:38:00.016-04:00

Dusty and I went camping this past Thursday to Saturday here in the Savannah area on Skidaway Island. We decided to go at the last minute, so we didn't get to the camp ground until 9:56 p.m. I say 9:56 because when I called to reserve a place, the lady told us we had to get there before 10:00 because the gates close. So, as you can see, we made it by 4 minutes! We were so excited to make it. We (or Dusty, I just held the lantern) set up the tent in the dark. Dusty asked me to read the directions and the first line said "If you are setting this up for the first time, you might want to set it up at home so you aren't trying to figure out how to do it in front of friends and family" hahahahha! We both laughed and moved on. Thankfully, we got it up in about 20 minutes...not bad for first timers with this tent AND it being dark out. I hadn't camped in a long time so I forgot how uncomfortable the ground is...wow! Dusty, on the other hand, was asleep and snoring the minute he layed down...not fair. I kept tossing and turning and he would wake up and ask if I was ok. Yeah, just forgot about how it is on your back! We woke up early Friday morning and realized we forgot the cooler with the food and water, so back to Pooler we go. After we got back to the camp site, we took a 4 mile hike/walk through the marsh/jungle haha of Skidaway Island State Park. It was pretty, but tons of fiddler crabs everywhere. I am not exagerating about this one...there were thousands and everywhere! And the noise they made scurring on the ground was a little creepy! After the hike, we came back to our site and noticed some of the groceries were on the ground. Something (a raccoon maybe, only cause we saw one near our tent) stole our hotdog buns and popcorn :( We ate our lunchables for lunch after the hike, hahaha, and felt like we were in the 2nd grade eating those things! The temperature was a little hot, but in the shade it felt pretty good, so we relaxed in the shade and read. Then we drove around Skidaway, not much to see. For supper, we cooked hotdogs, bratswurst, and baked beans over the fire and it was so yummy! Since the hotdog buns were stolen, we ate our hotdogs plain. We had a little trouble eating with our utensils. We bought the cheepest stuff and they kept melting when we would cut into our hotdogs! But, we managed! We also roasted marshmellows and made smores! Sooo yummy...possibly one of my favorites! Saturday morning we woke up to rain! And lots of it! We had time to change clothes and then it poured! We were drenched! But luckily, we were going straight home anyway so it was okay. We had such a good time camping, roasting marshmellows, hotdogs, reading, hiking, and relaxing!

Past 2 Weekends

2009-09-08T10:45:00.010-04:00

Dusty and I have been busy visiting with family for the past 2 weekends. It was great to see everybody and spend time with family. The first weekend we drove to Germantown, TN (right outside of Memphis) to see Dusty's parents and sister. We left Pooler Thursday night, spur of the moment, and drove to my parents house to spend the night. We got there late, slept about 5 hours, and got back on the road and drove 5 1/2 hours to Germantown. We did take the girls, Layla and Paisley, with us, and they were pretty good in the car, but a little stressed. With his parents, we cooked out, shopped, looked at houses, and ate some more! Haha! It was a relaxful weekend with them and we were so happy that Dusty had time off and we were able to go see them. We drove back to Pooler on Monday, 10 hours of driving, but making a stop for lunch at my parents house to see my grandpa.

My parents came down this past Thursday night and stayed until Monday. On Saturday, we went downtown to River Street for the First Saturday of the Month. They have arts and crafts and some entertainment down by the river; it was nice. That night, we ate at Uncle Bubba's...pretty good! Also on Saturday, we drove down to Wormsloe, the site in the movie Forrest Gump where he is running down the dirt road as a little boy and his braces fall off. It is so pretty and we even saw a buck! Sunday, we went to Tybee and packed a picnic and walked on the beach. After leaving the beach, we toured Ft. Pulaski...pretty cool! The brick work was amazing!

Dusty and I are so thankful for the wonderful family we have. We were so excited to see them and spend time with them! Thank you all for everything. We love each one of you and are so glad you are in our lives!

Weekend in Atlanta

2009-08-23T15:45:00.012-04:00

Dusty and I went to Atlanta for the weekend and we had so much fun! We took the dogs with us and oh what an experience/adventure that was. We only made it to Statesboro before Paisley had an accident on her pillow/bed that she was sitting on in my lap. Thank goodness it went on that and not on me. So after we got that all cleaned up and back on the road, we finally made it to Atlanta around 4. When we arrived, there was a dog bowl outside and a framed sign that had the girls' names on it...so cute! After settling into the hotel, Dusty and I needed a moment away from the girls and so we walked around and checked out what was around the hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Palomar, right off I-75 in Midtown Atlanta (near Ga Tech). While walking around, we found an Asian steak and seafood restaurant to eat at and it was really good!

Saturday was our busy day. We got up early and headed out to the Georgia Aquarium. While we were there, we were able to see the feeding of the Whale Sharks...really cool. They are such big animals! We did learn that even though their mouths can get up to 4 feet in diameter, they can only swallow food as big as a quarter. So all the small fish they were swimming around are safe; they eat small animals such as shrimp. After the Aquarium, we went to the World of Coke...awesome! The cokes we liked were from Africa and South America; the ones we didn't like were from Costa Rica and we think Italy (the Beverly...yuck!). We had lunch at The Varsity...it was so good! Then it was off to Zoo Atlanta. We had a really good time here too, and were lucky, and got to see the feeding of the Gorilla's. They are amazing. To view the gorillas, you can go inside this "house" thing and there is a huge window to see the animals. When I was in Girl Scouts, one year we spent the night in this house, so it was neat to go back and see where I once had been. We stayed in there for a while, watching the animals eat and play. After the zoo, we went to the High Museum...kinda boring, not going to lie. We weren't really impressed. They did have a neat Monet exhibit of his water lillies, but other than that, there really wasn't anything too impressing. That night, we had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory...yummy...and yes we had cheesecake for dessert! It was soo good!

Our weekend in Atlanta was so nice to get away with one another and visit the places we wanted to visit for the first time or revisit the ones we hadn't been to in a long time. Layla and Paisley did okay...they stayed in the room the entire time and played and barked anytime anyone made a noise outside the room (a little frustrating, but no complaints). I know they are glad to be back in their safe house with all their toys and houses and rawhides haha.

Here are some pictures:

New Haircuts

2009-08-20T11:52:00.005-04:00

I took the girls (Layla and Paisley) to the groomers yesterday to get haircuts. Layla had horrible mats and needed to be shaved, unfortunately, but still looks kinda cute haha. Paisley, on the other hand, not so cute! She had a few mats near her back in but one night I sat and brushed them all out so they wouldn't shave her. So yesterday morning I dropped them off at the groomers, told the girl exactly how I wanted Paisley "Short all over, but do not shave her, please!" I called to see if they were ready and the groomer said yup and they have no hair. I said they...and she said yeah they were both shaved. I'm thinking oh goodness. I said Paisley was not suppose to be shaved. She said well you said short all over...yes but that doesn't mean shave. So I picked them up and sure enough, they have NO hair...poor things! Paisley's new nickname is ears...that is all you see on her!!! And Layla looks like a little lamb so she is lambchops haha! They are cute, but the groomers could tell I was mad and didn't make me pay for Paisley! I need to post pictures of them, but they won't sit still long enough for me to take a picture. Dusty and I always joked about when Layla would get shaved in the past how much more energy she had or something...its the same with Paisley. I don't know what it is about the short hair and them running crazy! Ha, at least they are enjoying each other's company!

Random Facts

2009-08-19T11:24:00.003-04:00

I saw this on someone's facebook page and thought it would be fun to fill out...and it was haha! I'm bored, but I hope you learn more about it. I'm sure most of you already knew this about me, but if not, enjoy!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:15

2. How do you like your steak? medium

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Ugly Truth

4. What is your favorite TV show? Anything on the Food Network

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Ummm...Somewhere with a lot of land with Dusty

6. What did you have for breakfast? Chickfila chicken biscuit

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike? black eyed peas

9. Favorite Place to Eat? B&D Burgers

10. Favorite dressing? ranch

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Volvo s40

12. What are your favorite clothes? t-shirt and jeans

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Europe

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 empty

15. Where would you want to retire? I have no idea...maybe the mountains or beach

16. Favorite time of day? when Dusty gets home from work

17. Where were you born? Dalton, GA

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? I don't watch sports

19. Bird watcher? Not really

20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Definately not morning, unless its after 10 haha

24. Do you have any pets? Layla, our maltese who is almost 3, and Paisley, who is 4 months
-----------PART 2:
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I finished my internship and now have my degree

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher

27. What is your best childhood memory? Oh goodness, I have lots...probably playing outside with Kim and Rachel and taking tractor rides in the pasture with Dad

28. Are you a cat or dog person? DOG...I dislike cats

29. Are you married? Yes...and he is amazing!

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes

31. Been in a car accident? Yes, 3 that were my fault and 1 with my grandma

32. Any pet peeves? YES...when people don't use their blinkers

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Mushrooms and onions

34. Favorite Flower? Daisy

35. Favorite ice cream? Cake Batter

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chick-Fil-A

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? learners 3, actual driving 0

38. From whom did you get your last email? it was all junk mail

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Gap

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? I used to be spontaneous but I haven't lately

41. Like your job? yeah its great...I get to wake up whenever and do whatever all day...I don't work at the moment haha

42. Broccoli? Yeah its pretty good....especially with cheese

43. What was your favorite vacation? the beach and New York City

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Dusty

45. What are you listening to right now? hahaha....the 4 seasons....Oh What A Night

46. What is your favorite color? Green

47. How many tattoos do you have? I don't have any

48. What time did you finish this quiz? 11:37 am

49. Coffee Drinker? I like White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks, but thats it

2009-08-16T21:37:00.002-04:00

Last night/early this morning, Dusty came home from being in the field since 3 weeks ago, I believe. It was so good to see him, and the girls, Layla and Paisley, went crazy. He got lots of kisses and hugs from the 3 of us. We were able to spend the day together just hanging out today. We had brunch at Cracker Barrel, bought a new computer (thank you Danny and Liz), walked around the mall and Bass Pro, and then dinner at B&D Burgers (yummy!!!). Nothing too exciting, but we just enjoy each other's company and being able to be with one another. We are hoping to take leave time in a couple weeks and go spend the weekend in Atlanta, then driving on to Germantown, TN to visit Dusty's parents and sister. When we get back, my parents will be down for Labor Day weekend. After Labor Day, Dusty will be leaving for a week to go to California for more training. Thank goodness it is only a week.

While Dusty was gone this time I was busy finishing my internship for my degree. Thank goodness it is all over with now. I worked/volunteered 481 hours in 11 1/2 weeks. I was asked to stay and work the rest of summer camp (2 weeks) and I would be paid, but when I found out it would only be for minimum wage or a little more, I declined it. It was not worth the sweat and headaches! Now that that is over with, I'm planning on taking it easy at the house, getting papers and everything ready for deployment, and spending time with Dusty. Also, I kept myself busy by hanging out with some girlfriends while their husband's were out in the field too. We would go to movies, out to eat, and lay out by the pool. It is nice having someone to talk with, especially who has the Army in common with you and knows what you are going through.

Please keep Dusty and I in your prayers. Thank you so much to everyone who loves and supports us! We love you all!

2009-07-29T21:18:00.006-04:00

My Mom and her cousin, Pam, have been visiting since last Wednesday. We showed them a little of Savannah on Thursday by taking them downtown to eat at B & D Burgers, our favorite burger restaurant, then shopped around. Mom and Pam wanted to see Paula Deen's, so we went into her store and found out that she would be in town tomorrow morning doing a book signing.

Mom and Pam woke up at 4 in the morning and stood in line from 6 am to 8 am to meet Paula and the gang: her husband Michael (which gave Mom a hug out on the street), her brother Uncle Bubba, and her two sons, Jamie and Bobby! And I couldn't go with them...I was so upset. However, Mom did bring Dusty and I an autographed cookbook with all their autographs in it! Friday night, Mom and Pam let Dusty and I go on a date, so we went out to eat, then picked the girls up and went to Cold Stone (best icecream anywhere!).

Saturday, we went to St. Simons for the day. We walked the beach, shopped, toured the lighthouse, and ate dinner at Mullet Bay. Yum!

Sunday, we hung around the house and went shopping. Then had dinner at Vinnie Van GoGo's downtown in City Market. Another one of our favorites! The four of us are sitting there outside eating our pizza when Mom slapped Dusty on the shoulder...Mom was speechless and we had NO clue what was going on, until we turned towards the street and saw a man bent over with his shorts down at his ankles, and NO underwear!!! Yup! How entertaining he was, trying to balance his takeout pizza, sunglasses, beer, and his shorts falling down...it was a scene!!! The poor man was so drunk and couldn't keep up his pants...who knows who all saw what! Thank goodness we got the back shot and not the front hahah!

Monday it was back to work for Dusty and I and when we came home, we had a nice homecooked meal (and some came from our garden). Mom and Pam fixed meatloaf, squash casserole, and mashed potatoes. And for dessert we had strawberry and kiwi shortcakes....yummy!

Mom and Pam went to Tybee Beach on Tuesday and shopped in the cute stores there. I was actually there too on a field trip with about 60 children from the Y. Wish I could have run away with them!

Wednesday morning Pam left to go back to Indiana and Mom stayed and we hung out when I got off work at 3. We took Paisley to the vet...good news, she is well! And she now weighs 2 lbs, 4 oz!!! She's growing! We had a wonderful dinner at Olive Garden. After dinner, we stopped by Pet Smart and bought Paisley a new crib...a house like Layla's. Layla looooves her house and I have not been able to find one anywhere for Paisley. It's animal print and when Paisley gets in it you can't even see her since the inside is all black and so is she! She seems to like it...I mean c'mon, it even comes with a disco ball hanging inside, what's not to love! (It's actually just a ball for the cats to play with since its meant for cats...just in case some of you were wondering it was a real disco ball haha).

Dusty is back in the field. He left yesterday morning at 2 am....yup, isnt that ridiculous, and he will be back sometime around August 15. Please keep us in your prayers and we'll keep updating everyone with what is going on at the Egglestons!

P.S. We didn't take any pictures the whole time, but I think Pam did, so hopefully I can get some and post them on here.

Raincoats and T-Shirts

2009-07-26T21:56:00.009-04:00

Dusty and I went shopping today and had to pick up these cute dog clothes for Layla and Paisley. This is the first t-shirt for Paisley. It was the first time we actually found something little enough for her to fit into...after all, she does only weigh 1 lb and 6 oz (hopefully she has gained some in the last few weeks). Layla hates going outside in the rain, so much that she squats in the bushes right beside the concrete so she doesn't get too wet. We found a little raincoat at Old Navy for her! She loves it, or acts like it anyway. We haven't tried it out yet in the rain, but I hope it works for her.

On another note, we picked 5 squash and 2 tomatoes from our garden today. Mom and her cousin, Pam, are visiting right now and tried out the tomato today. They said it was pretty good. Yea! I can't wait to try more!

Wow, What an update! Jan- July

2009-07-19T21:37:00.004-04:00

Hey yall! Sorry we haven't written in a while, I'll try and be better this go round.
Since the New Year...it's sad, I'm sure we were doing something, but at the moment I can't think of what we did.

March 1, I dropped Dusty off at Ranger School at Ft. Benning, GA in a snow storm. Who would have thought that it would snow 6 inches or so in GA in March!? He was there a total of 62 days and went straight through the first time....goooo Dusty! We are all so proud of him. He graduated on May 1, then a week later, I graduated from Georgia Southern University on May 9. I will have my Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Development at the end of August. I am currently finishing up my internship at a YMCA in downtown Savannah.

At the start of the summer, Dusty and I decided to grow a garden. We planted tomatoes, squash, and okra. All 3 are doing really well and we can't wait to taste the vegetables we grew!

In June, we celebrated our 2 year anniversary (6-9-07) on June 6 at the Chart House on River Street. We are so blessed and thankful to have one another in our lives. We truly love one another and love spending time together. We also celebrated that day by adding a new member to our family, Paisley. She is a teeny tiny Yorkie and is adorable (currently 1 lb, 6 oz).
It is so nice to live near the beach...we have been several times this summer with friends. At the end of May, we took a mini vacation for a couple days to Jacksonville Beach, FL. We didn't have the best weather, but it was nice to get away and relax with each other.

We celebrated July 4th by going to a Trace Adkins concert at Ft. Stewart with some friends and watching fireworks. Then the next day, we went to Jekyll Island with 3 other couples and had a blast laying out all day, then fireworks that night. This past weekend, we had Dusty's Aunt Trish and her four kids come visit. We had a really good time eating out, going to Tybee, playing baseball (wiffle ball), playing Wii, and more.
This coming Wednesday, my mom is coming to visit for a week with her cousin Pam. We are looking forward to more family coming to visit and hanging out.
Further down the road, we recently found out that Dusty will be deploying to Iraq in early December. We will keep everyone up to date as more information comes our way. Keep your calendars open so we can try to see everyone! Please keep us in your prayers and we thank you for everything!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-03T20:55:00.006-05:00

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! To get everyone caught up, since August this is what we have been up to: We have been pretty busy traveling and visiting family in North Georgia and in Memphis, Tennessee. My parents came down to visit before classes started. We showed them all around Savannah, Ft. Stewart, and Tybee Island and had a really great weekend. I started my second to last semester at Georgia Southern and everything went really well. I am majoring in Child/Family Development and wanting to specialize in Child Life. I have been filling out applications for internships at children's hospitals in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. We visited Dusty's parents in Germantown, TN in October. Then in November, we met his parents in Charleston and visited with them there, along with Dusty's dad's best friend from college. We went to a Citadel football game and visited downtown Charleston. Dusty was promoted to First Leiutenant in November, which we are all so proud and excited for him. We had Thanksgiving at my sister Rachel and her husband Beau's new house in Dalton, along with my parents, younger sister, grandparents, and Beau's parents and sister. We had a really nice time on our visit. For Christmas, we went to Disney World with Dusty's parents, sister Nicki, grandmother, aunt and uncle, and their four children and had a really great time! We went to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot over a few days and had so much fun. When it was time to come home, Dusty's parents and sister came to our home and had Christmas with us. Then on the 26th, we went to my parents home and had Christmas and celebrated the New Year too. It has been so nice to have time off to spend with family! We have really enjoyed it. Here are some pictures from our time with family.

Since March....

2008-07-08T10:56:00.006-04:00

Wow, So we haven't written in quite a while! Sorry! Since March...I finished my semester with all A's in my major classes and a D in history (just don't understand that subject). I started an online medical terminology class that ended the last part of June, and I have to brag some more, I made an A in there too! Woo hoo! We celebrated our first anniversary early in April by going to Hilton Head for a weekend and hanging out at the beach, which was very nice! May we mostly hung out here, went up to Dalton for a weekend for one of Rachel's showers, and that's about it. Rachel got married on June 21, so we headed up to Dalton for the wedding, and it was so pretty! She looked gorgeous. We had a really great time up there with the family, although it was really busy, lots of work (poor Dusty), and very quick! We have met several new couples that we hang out with on the weekends and go to the Sand Gnats baseball game. They are lots of fun to hang out with. (All the husbands, or finace`s, work with Dusty ). Dusty got his platoon and is now in charge of about 20 guys. He is really enjoying being a platoon leader and is looking forward to the future with the platoon. July 4th, we celebrated in Memphis with Dusty's parents. Nicki was not there...she is in Nicaragua with Warren and Trish and their kids. We watched fireworks Friday, Saturday we went to this place called Puppy Corral and held and played with lots of puppies...they were so cute!!! Then that night we drove to Tunica, Mississippi and ate at Paula Deen's new restaurant in the Harrah's Casino and it was so good! Dusty's parents went to see Gladys Knight and Al Greene and Dusty and I played the slot machines for a little while. We even ran into one of Dusty's best girl friends while he was at West Point while in the casino. It was really good seeing her, considering it had been over a year. The last time we saw her was at our wedding! Sunday, we drove to Nashville to eat lunch and visit with the Holownia's, another family we hadn't seen since the wedding! We had seen Greg, because while the guys were training at Ft. Benning they lived together, and Greg also came down recently to visit us down in Savannah. Anyway, we had a really great visit. Please everyone, keep the Holownia's in your prayers. Greg is leaving Thursday for Afghanistan. It was a really sad and hard goodbye, but we are so glad we had the opportunity to go see him and his mom and dad. Now that we are back to our home, it's back to our day to day routine of Dusty going to work and me either working or having the day off and doing whatever. Sorry this post was so long...I need to be better about not waiting to write in so long. Just remember to keep the Holownia's in your prayers, and also Nicki, Trish, Warren, and their 4 kids in Nicaragua.

Congratulations to Dusty!

2008-03-05T20:38:00.009-05:00

As you all know, Dusty just got back from completing sapper school. It was a 30 day course and he did extremely well, so well he graduated and got the tab! We are all so excited and very proud of him. He did different tasks, tests, patrols and missions such as ruck marches, repelling, water drills in zodiacs (inflatable boats), and much more! Just to brag about him a little more, there were 32 people that started the course, and only 14 graduated and got the tab, 3 of them being girls! Those are some tough girls...I know I couldn't do the first task! We got to see our friends in MO, Melissa and Andy, for a few minutes Friday night. Poor Dusty was about to fall asleep he was so tired, so we visited for a little while, then got him to bed!

I flew up to Memphis to his parents house, and then the three of us drove us up to Ft. Leonard Wood on Friday, had Dusty's graduation on Friday afternoon, got up on Saturday and we all drove back to Memphis. We went to Bass Pro and got a great Japanese dinner that night. Then Sunday morning, Dusty and I left and drove to Dalton and had lunch at Tijuana's with my parents, sister and her fiance, and my grandparents. It was really good to see them!

Dusty and I had a really good weekend, first time seeing each other in about a month and a half, so it was really good seeing him. Also, spending time with his parents and sister was good too! Now for us, its time to start a new routine for me going to school and work, and Dusty starting work at Ft. Stewart.

We are looking forward to family coming to visit for Easter in a couple weeks!

The first picture is of Colonel Iverson putting Dusty's sapper tab on his left shoulder.

There is an upclose shot of his red sapper tab.

The other two are of me and him, and then me and him with his parents.

Movie Gallery, here I come!

2008-02-01T20:17:00.000-05:00

I started a new job! Woo hoo! While Dusty and I were living in Missouri, I didn't work the entire time. I was suppose to, I put in applications everywhere, but no luck! So, when I moved to Pooler I put in applications everywhere and when I went for an interview at Movie Gallery, they hired me! My first day was Tuesday. I got all decked out in my khaki pants, tennis shoes, and either a red or white polo shirt, and got to working. It wasn't bad at all. I organized the movies on shelves, checked movies in, yess I got to scan! haha, and I vacummed and didn't leave until 11:30 that night. On Thursday, I learned how to use the register, which I had never done in my life. I got the hang of it for the most part, except when people use their rewards card or want to get one. There is so much you have to type in, scan, swipe, sign, and print. But that was my first time and I think I did pretty well. I think I was a little slow, some of the customers picked up that I was new and I had to apologize a couple times, but all were understanding!
Dusty starts sapper school today and so pray for him and wish him luck. I don't think he and I will be able to talk hardly at all, but that's ok...he has a lot going on there that he needs to focus on. He and a friend have been living with Melissa and Andy for the past two weeks, and now are living in the sapper barracks with a lot more people. Thank you though to Melissa and Andy for helping us out with that!

Green, Green, Green

2008-01-21T22:13:00.001-05:00

Dusty and I got to see each other this weekend before his sapper school starts in a couple weeks. We had a lot of fun just being with one another! Saturday, we painted the kitchen asparagus green! I love it! Our house is looking more like a home little by little and we are so blessed and excited to have it! Now all we need are visitors! Here are some pictures of us painting and then the finished product. We started on Saturday and finished on Sunday. You wouldn't think, but painting wears you out, or it did us. Or maybe it was because we were getting high from the fumes, haha jk! We did have a lot of fun doing the little project and are glad it is finished. Now time for the bedroom and living room :)! It was sad leaving him at the airport today, but I haven't bawled my eyes out like a few weeks ago in Atlanta and almost running over a girl that decided to walk when cars were going! It is sad to leave each other and to know that we won't see each other for a month and a couple weeks, but we can do it. I am busy with school and searching for a job, and Dusty will be busy getting ready for sapper school and then starting sapper school. All in all, we had a great weekend and thanks to his mom for helping us find a cheap flight. Actually, he had skymiles so we didn't pay anything...thank you Delta!

Getting back into the swing of things!

2008-01-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

My first day of class was yesterday back at Georgia Southern University. I haven't been in school since Spring of 2007, so it was a little hard getting back into the swing of things! But, I have to say, the day went pretty well. I have 5 classes and 1 lab on Mondays, so I go from 9-5:40....long day, but I made it! I was glad to get home last night to see Layla, poor thing had been locked up in the house since 7:20 that morning! She was glad to see me, and to go to the bathroom! I have some tough classes this semester, but I know I can get through it, especially if I want to graduate! I am only taking classes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Mondays are the only really long days, so I am happy about that. I am also happy that I get to see Dusty on Friday!!! He is flying down here and staying until Monday...no school woo hoo! Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Christmas and moving in!

2008-01-02T19:24:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
We left Missouri on the 21st in a huge Penske truck, with a trailor on the back for my car, and drove to Memphis, TN to see Dusty's parents, sister, and Grandmother for Christmas and had a really good time! Then on Christmas Eve, we drove from Memphis to Dalton, GA to see my family. We also had a really good time there too, seeing about 40 of our family members! Then on the 26th, we drove from Dalton to Pooler, GA, where our new townhouse is and moved in! We got there on the 26th around 5:30, immediately started unpacking, and didnt go to bed until 1ish, got up at 8 in the morning and were back at it! It is so good to be back in Georgia! I know that I am going to miss Missouri, especially the friends that Dusty and I made! In Missouri, we had been wearing sweaters and big jackets for a while now, and when we moved in on the 26th, it was 80 degrees down here....so hot and we so weren't ready for the chance in temp...too bad its not like that anymore, I think the cold followed us here! We are all moved in and are so excited! Dusty left today to go back to Missouri to finish his engineer school until the 14th. At the beginning of February, he will be starting sapper school! I am so proud of him for doing the training and now going on to the school! We will be away from each other for a couple months, but it is well worth it! Gooo Dusty! (haha) I love him and I know that he can do it!

Team: MoDust

2007-12-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

1. Where did you meet your husband? I don't remember the exact time I met Dusty...we grew up in the same hometown, so we always knew of each other since I guess first grade.
2.What was the first thing you said to your husband? Oh goodness, such an embarrassing story, I really don't remember, but probably something like its good to see you...haha I dont know!
3. Where was your first date? We went to the Tennessee Aquarium and then to Cheeburger Cheeburger.
4. Where was your first kiss? Out in my driveway...under the stars...haha
5. Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement? Long, I guess....we started dating in December of 2005, got engaged in August of 2006, and got married in June of 2007.
6. Where did you get engaged? On a huge rock overlooking the Hudson River on Flirtation Walk at West Point during sunrise!
7. Where were you married? The Tennessee RiverPlace...right by the Tennessee River...so pretty!!!
8. How was the reception? A whole lot of fun...we danced, ate, cut cake, all that stuff!
9. How was the Honeymoon? Amazing! We went to Costa Rica, stayed in 3 cities/towns/resorts, and just had a lot of fun. Some of the things we did: hot springs, treetop cables....so scary, but yet so fun!, and relaxed in the sun at the beach!

What's his name? Dustin Lee Eggleston
How long have you been together? 2 years, but only married 6 months
How old is he? 23
Who eats more? He does, but I do have to admit, sometimes its about even
Who said I love you first? He did
Who is taller? He is...he is 5'10" and I am 5'2"
Who sings better? He would say I do
Who is smarter? He is way smarter...hello he went to West Point haha!
Whose temper is worse? Mine
Who does the laundry? At first we both helped out, but I dont work, so I usually do it
Who does the dishes? The dishwasher! But usually we help each other out by loading and unloading
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does...like Melissa said....just in case an intruder comes in, he can protect me!
Who pays the bills? Me, I guess. Although I do not balance the checkbook...the computer does!
Who mows the lawn? Dusty does, but I go get the mower from Melissa and Andy's and take it back.
Who cooks dinner? I do
Who drives when you are together? It just depends on the car and how far the distance.
Who is more stubborn? I am
Who is the first to admit their wrong? Dusty
Whose parents do you see the most? Right now, his parents...they live a little closer
Who kissed whom first? Dusty asked if he could kiss me and before I said yes, he was already coming for it!
Who proposed? He did...and I didnt think he was for real!
Who has more friends? He does
Who is more sensitive? I am
Who has more siblings? I do...I have 2 sisters and he has 1 sister
Who wears the pants in the family? We both...we're a team!!!

I love doing these kind of surveys, so I hope yall enjoy!!!

Turkey Day

2007-11-27T18:36:00.000-05:00

Dusty and I met his parents and sister Wednesday night in Branson, MO to stay in a cabin for Thanksgiving.On our way there, we ran into some snow flurries and really cold weather...28! Thursday, Turkey Day, was filled with cooking, eating tons (Dusty and I still have leftovers), playing BINGO and Spoons, and sight seeing. Friday we got up and went to Big Cedar Lodge where his parents and sister had stayed a month before. It was so pretty!!! From there we went shopping at Branson landing and had dinner at Garfields...really yummy. That night, we went to a magic show, Kirby and Bambi, and had a lot of fun. Kirby made motorcycles, people, and cats disappear; Bambi could be blindfolded, turned towards the back of the stage, and tell aloud what people in the audience were holding up. She even told how much money this one guy had in his wallet that was sitting the audience...$194, and no it wasnt Dusty or Big Dan, haha! They even cut two girls in half, and then when they were put back together, they had each other's pants on...crazy! Saturday we checked out and had lunch before we said goodbye. Dusty and I headed for Branson and went to the Bass Pro Shop. It was huge!!! The store had live turtles, snakes, fish, spiders, tons and tons of stuffed animals, waterfalls, a litte kids shooting range that I wanted to do, and so much more! From there, we went to the mall, then to the Petland pet store, and had dinner at the Japanese Steakhouse that was so good! We had a great Thanksgiving with the family!

Wish me luck on Thursday...I am flying down to meet my Mom to close on our townhouse!!! I cant believe we are buying our first house! We can't wait to move in after Christmas!

6 Things People Don't Know About Me

2007-11-16T14:07:00.002-05:00

Melissa tagged me for the 6 Things People Don't Know About Me, so here it goes....

1. I don't like walking around barefoot. I would rather wear socks or shoes all the time instead of going around barefoot.

2. I hate putting laundry away. I know, thats bad, but I can't stand it. Dusty and I go to the laundrymat every Sunday, and I have to be honest and say, it doesn't always get put up for a while....

3. I have a pacemaker. I was born with a heart problem and have had a pacemaker now for 22 years. My last surgery was August 27, 2007.

4. I'm going to school to be a Child Life Specialists and will one day work in a children's hospital with the children who undergo surgeries and help them and their families through their whole hospital adventure. I am really looking forward to it!

5. I like to sleep late, til like 10, and I tell Dusty all the time that since I don't work up here in MO, then I don't run errands or anything until after lunch. I know that's terrible, but I'm enjoying my time up here before I start school back and babysitting in January.

6. I really hate exercising, but I am trying a new plan to get into shape, and so I have started to exercise...plus, I have to get ready for my aerobics class at school next semester (I have to take one more credit in PE, so I'm taking aerobics...yuck!)

Ok, so that was harder than I thought it would be! Haha, hope you enjoy!

St. Louis

2007-11-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

Dusty and I went to St. Louis yesterday and had a lot of fun! First thing we did was visit the Gateway Arch. It was huge and so pretty! The Arch is taller than the Washington Monument and The Statue of Liberty! We went up in it and they way you get up to the top is this 5 passenger really small, closed in thing that everyone is sitting very close together ( a little stuffy and claustrophobic)! When we got to the top, there were little rectangular windows you could look out to see the city of St. Louis. So pretty, and it took your breath away a little, just being so high and everything! We stayed there for a little while taking everything in and also taking pictures. From there we went to a casino! First time for everything! I played the slot machines and Dusty played Roulette! Neither one of us made any money....:( But we had a lot of fun and it was a cool experience. After that we went downtown to have dinner. We had been craving Japanese, so we found a Japanese Restaurant downtown and it was not what we were used to, or really wanted. Our meal actually turned out pretty good, better than we thought it was going to be. From there, we stayed downtown and walked around for a little while and then drove to this shopping mall that was absolutely huge and sooo fancy! We were about to go inside and this lady stopped us at the door and said the mall was closing for a special event. So we left and I asked Dusty why she assumed we weren't with the special event and Dusty said everyone inside was in tuxes and evening gowns...whoops! Then we drove back downtown to another mall, and it was closed down or something, so we drove by the arch again and headed home! We had a great day visiting St. Louis and are so happy we had the opportunity to!

First look at the Arch!

Look of St. Louis from the top of the Arch

Here we are inside the Arch

Our New Townhouse

2007-10-27T18:24:00.000-04:00

Back in March, we knew that Dusty's permanent duty station was going to be Ft. Stewart, GA. We were so excited because it was close to family, friends, and my school, Georgia Southern Univeristy. So from then on, we had been looking at places to live off post. We found these townhouses right off of I-16, great location, great new developing town, and in between school and Ft. Stewart. In July, we decided to purchase one of the townhouses, and it will be ready for us to move in in December! The lady who has been helping us through the whole process called yesterday about the closing date, and I mentiond to her if they take pictures sometimes and post on their website. She kinda got my drift about how I was wanting pictures of our house since we aren't down there to see it, and so she said she would be happy to take pictures for us! Here they are!!!!

Family Night

2007-10-26T14:58:00.000-04:00

Dusty's parents, Big Dan and Little Liz, and sister, Nicki, stopped by yesterday on their way to Branson and stayed the night with us. They got here in time for dinner, and so we went to Miller's Grill. If you havent ever been there and are in the area, you should definately go check it out! It is soo good! We came back to the house, changed into pajamas, relaxed, and just caught up with each other. We woke up this morning around 7 when Dusty came back from a meeting and sat around and visited with the family some more before they headed out and before Dusty had to go back to work. Everyone got ready, minus Dusty :(, and went to Cracker Barrel for some breakfast. Big Dan and Little Liz bought some goodies for Dusty and I, like peanut brittle, a pecan log, and Reese's cups...yummy! We had a great night and morning with his parents and sister and we are so glad they stopped in. I had my camera with us at all times and I managed to only take two pictures, but here they are! And sorry Big Dan and Little Liz, somehow you aren't in any! Thanks for stopping by and we look forward to seeing y'all in a month for Thanksgiving!

Here is Nicki and Layla!

Pumpkin Time

2007-10-20T12:19:00.000-04:00

Last night, Melissa and Andy had Dusty and I over to carve our pumpkins. We had a lot of fun carving, eating cake, drinking apple cider, taking pictures, and just hanging out together! When we got home, we tried to take pictures of Layla beside the pumpkin and she was not going to have it. She ran and hid behind the kitchen chair so we couldn't get to her! Who knows why she was so scared of it!?

I haven't been feeling too well lately and so we thought maybe I had a kidney infection because thats where the pain was coming from. So when we got back home from Andy and Melissa's, we looked online for appointments with my PCM. There were no appointments for a while, so before it got any worse, we went on to the ER because it becomes more of a walk-in clinic sometimes. We went up there, stayed for 3 hours so I could pee in a cup, and found out that I did have a kidney infection. I am on antibiotics and hopefully will be feeling better soon!

Army Lifestyle

2007-10-17T17:19:00.000-04:00

We have been living here for almost a month and I dont think that I have gotten used to living around all this army stuff. Today I was going to the commissary (the grocery store) and I passed a truck that said "Convoy Ahead" and so sure enough I passed about 10-15 huge trucks! I didn't know whether I was suppose to pull over and wait til they passed, or just keep driving, so I didn't do either. Instead, I just went real slow. Dusty said next time, it will probably be best to pull over and stop. Dusty and I were outside the other evening playing with Layla and, once again, a convoy of 10-15 Hum V's (hummers) went by the house, with men in camo who were sticking out of the top with their guns. It was a little scary too! Sometimes, you hear sounds like soft thunder, but its only the guns and whatever else going off at the shooting range. Yesterday, there was an explosion that shook the windows and doors in the house! It was kinda scary! Layla is not sure what all this noise is either. She thinks that someone is here, most likely her daddy, and barks and runs to the kitchen door, and then finds no one is here. Dusty goes to PT in the morning around 4:45, so he is up at 4. From 4 to 5, I try to go back to sleep. Sometimes its hard because we are close to where some of the men and women go to PT and so you can hear them shouting, counting, and singing "cadance". All in all, I love living on post because you are close to everything. Most days I dont even leave post because we have a grocery store, the PX, which is like Walmart, fast food restaurants, mini malls, post office, bank, golf course, etc. It is nice not having to leave everyday and having to come back in through the gates. When you enter in through the gates, everyone in the car has to show ID, and then you are hoping, or I am cause it happened to us once, that the security guards don't put the Inspection paper on your window, cause then you have to drive over and have your car inspected. It's all for safety though and I am glad they do it! One of these days I will get use to all the sounds, big trucks, Hummers, men and women in uniform everyone, showing ID at the gates and also at the PX and Commissary, and being woken up early in the morning! I love it all!

We've Been Tagged!

2007-10-16T21:18:00.000-04:00

Monica's:
Four Jobs I've Had
1. Babysitter
2. Student
3. Daycare worker
4. Wife

Four Movies I could watch Over and Over
1. The Notebook
2. A Walk To Remember
3. Bad Boys 2
4. Elf

Four Places I've Lived
1. Ringgold, GA
2. Statesboro, GA
3. Ft. Benning, GA (kinda)
4. Ft. Leonard Wood, MO

Four favorite TV/reality shows
1. Paula Deen (anything on Food Network)
2. Little People, Big World (The Roloffs)
3. Jon & Kate: Plus 8
4. Ellen DeGeneres

Four of my Favorite places I've Been
1. Disney World
2. Savannah, GA
3. New York City
4. Costa Rica

Four of my Favorite Foods
1. Tacos
2. Turnip Greens
3. Macaroni & Cheese
4. Mexican & Japanese/Chinese

Four Websites I Check Daily
1. our blog
2. Yahoo mail
3. Facebook
4. USAA

Four Hobbies I enjoy
1. Reading
2. Shopping (when I have money)
3. Riding bikes
4. hanging out with my husband, Dusty

Dusty's:
Four Jobs I've Had
1. yard mower
2. West Walnut Cafe
3. Army
4. husband

Four Movies I could watch Over and Over
1. The Patriot
2. Gladiator
3. Dumb and Dumber
4. Blues Brothers

Four Places I've Lived
1. Dalton, GA
2. West Point, NY
3. Ft. Benning, GA (kinda)
4. Ft. Leonard Wood, MO

Four favorite TV/reality shows
1. Cops
2. Sports Center
3. Little People, Big World
4. TLC: Flip This House

Four of my Favorite places I've Been
1. Costa Rica
2. Summerland Key
3. New York City
4. Savannah, GA

Four of my Favorite Foods
1. Steak
2. Sweet Potato
3. hamburger
4. Mexican

Four Websites I Check Daily
1. AKO
2. USAA
3. Scottrade
4. Yahoo Finance

Four Hobbies I enjoy
1. Fishing
2. spending time with my wife, Monica
3. building things
4. exercising

Thanks Melissa!

2007-10-14T22:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Melissa, our page now looks somewhat together. She helped me with the background colors and all that. Thank you, Melissa!

A Little About The Eggleston's

2007-10-13T23:35:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, we are just getting started with blogging so our site isnt looking too great right now!
We have only been married for a little over 4 months, and we are loving married life! Since being married, we have lived in 3 states: Summerland Key, Florida; Ft. Benning Georgia and Dalton, Georgia; and finally, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where we currently are now. I will be in Missouri until a little before Christmas, then moving down to Pooler, Georgia, outside of Savannah, into our new townhouse. Dusty will be finishing his Engineering Officer Basic Course and will be moving down to GA in January. I will be starting school back at Georgia Southern University in January for spring semester, and Dusty will be at Ft. Stewart for his first duty station as a 2nd Lieutenant.
We have a Maltese puppy named Layla! She just had her first birthday! She is just like a little kid at times, especially when it comes to needing attention and play time. She loves playing, especially with water bottles, her toy keys, and running around and around and around in the yard. Sometimes, she gets going so fast, she face plants in the grass! We will try to post some pictures of her crazy running. She loves people and goes crazy for their attention and wont calm down until they acknowledge her! But we love her to death!
We are looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks to see our families! We are also looking forward to what the future has in store for us!