A Day of Pampering

I had an AMAZING experience yesterday. I was able to spend the day being pampered, along with 24 other Air Force wives, most of whose husbands are currently deployed. The whole thing was sponsored by the most wonderful, charitable person named Cathy.

We met at Hill Air Force Base at 9:30, where we were greeted and had a short PR meeting (since the news was going to be following our story throughout the day). Then we piled into a bus and headed for Ross Department Store out in Murray.

We were met by the store manager and assistants, and pictures were taken. Then we were told we had a budget of $30+ to find a fun outfit for the night. We went nuts! It was so fun trying on tons of close and modeling for each other. It's amazing how fast a group of girls, who have never met, can bond over a day of shopping!
Then we headed off to Cameo School of Cosmetology. We spent the next five hours getting our hair, make-up, and nails done! It was SO fun!!


Finally, around 6pm they bused us to Mimi's Cafe. We had a three-course dinner, which was super yummy. Then there was a short "keynote" speaker who talked about the different seasons in our lives. Ours being (single) parenthood, when we often feel down on ourselves, but shouldn't. Because being a mom, with disheveled hair and a less than perfect body, is ok. We're doing the most important thing. And it's positively wonderful and we should love ourselves in this time, despite our imperfections. I might have shed a tear . . .

These were my gals: Brooke (left) and Lauren (right)

More friends

We also had a professional photographer there who was taking everyone's pictures to send to their husbands. I was the only one widowed (I was called the "special category" - nice). So, I guess I'll show the pic to Johnny, who will probably try to chew on it or something. Oh well . . . it's my season. :)

This darling diva was such a cutie and we had so much fun together!
She is actually from Florida and is a Mormon, so we had a lot in common!

I happened to get the exact same pair of shoes as another girl! What are the chances?! Especially considering that these 5-inch heels are completely out my comfort zone! Which was the whole point. And, you know, turns out I LIKED them. :) Who would have thought . . .

At the end of the night we each got an Appreciation Award, and we got a minute to tell our story. There were some moving speeches. These Air Force families give SO much for our country. They sacrifice SO much for our protection and security. Most of the girls didn't know I was widowed, because I didn't broadcast it. I was one of the last up, and immediately the sponsor, Cathy, started crying (which didn't help me at all!). :) I said my husband too was deployed, but his was an extended deployment.

I so love my Air Force family. And I am so grateful I was able to spend a day with a group of women who know what it's like to be a single parent 24-7 and who are separated from their husbands, but still love and miss them so much. And getting pampered was just what I needed right now. It's hard to feel pretty when you're a mom, especially when your husband isn't around to tell you that dry hands, and messy hair, and stained jeans is JUST how he likes it. :) But yesterday, for a few hours, I felt valued, important, and gorgeous. Thanks Cathy!!!