Hey Dolls!
As long as I have been an army wife(two years in May), I have wanted to go to a ball. I mean why not? But what is a military ball you ask? It’s like prom for adults…with better food and of course alcohol! For a girl like me there is nothing more fun than getting dressed up in a ball gown with a full, and I mean full face of makeup on! Oh, and seeing my husband dressed up in his ASUs, he is just so handsome.
At this time last year I had just given birth to our sweet baby girl. I was in no shape to go to a ball and had no intention of leaving her side. So I have been waiting patiently for the next one to roll around. When John told me they had announced the date I screamed like a little girl at a Backstreet Boys or Nsync concert – whichever you were into. So, we decided we would go this year. Then I start planning Charlotte’s birthday party, which got a little off budget. OK, OK a lot off budget. I still had to buy a gown, shoes, jewelry – the whole nine. You feel me? At that point I said hey, lets skip it this year. John was more than happy with that idea because he didn’t want to go in the first place.
Then, while we were at home, John received a call saying he was solider of the year for his battalion. Which meant we had to attend the ball. At that point we were only one week away and were all the way in Illinois. So, we went to the mall and found a beautiful red dress that was fitting since it was a Valentine’s sweet hearts ball. But, after getting the dress home I decided it was too big. Back to Dillard’s I went! Thank god they had a dress I loved in my size this time. After that, I headed over to the shoe and jewelry department and I was good to go. Minus a clutch that is, I finally found that back in Georgia at a small store in the mall.
Finally, it was the day of the ball! But I was sick and Char had been up all night so we were both super tired. John, thank god, got off work at noon and was able to come home and take care of Char while I got ready! Thank god for my friend Ashlei for watching Charlotte or we wouldn’t have been able to go.
Once we arrived, there was a cocktail hour to socialize with the other soldiers and their dates. I am so glad another couple we know was there to hang out with before we went in for dinner. I am going to write another blog on what to expect at a Army ball. I had no idea what to expect going into this, so maybe it will be helpful for other new army wives as well.
As for the outfit of the night, I wore an Adrianna Papell beaded gown. I loved all the gowns I tried on by this brand, but this one spoke to me! It fit like a glove and was so easy to find matching shoes and accessories. These Steve Madden dress sandals were super comfortable for dressy shoes. And I was so excited about the jewelry I found on clearance at Dillard’s as well! Oh and you know I had to rock a red lip with this dress. Mac -Ruby Woo with Follow Your Heart lip liner.
Even with all the fun we had, the best part of the night was going to pick up our sleeping Charlotte and taking her home for a snuggle. It was nice to get all dressed up and go out and be an adult for a night, but being a mom to that sweet girl tops anything. To wrap it all up, I had an amazing time with my husband. I am so proud of everything he does for our family. He is the most wonderful husband, father, friend and the smartest man I know. I have said it before and I will say it again, he is the love of my life. I love you so much John Henry Horton. Happy Valentines Day!
dress[adrianna papell] via dillard’s//shoes [steve madden] via dillard’s//clutch[traffic shoe]//jewelry, sold out but similar here and here[givenchy] via dillard’s//lipstick ruby woo [mac]