I've Tasted and Seen: Expounding the IG post

"O taste and see that the LORD is good." Psalm 34:8

Jeremy and I decided to take a Saturday night stroll across the closest bridge to our house. The weather here is finally the stuff dreams are made of - no humidity, blue skies and bright sunshine. We've finally returned from our Southern respite of 2.5 weeks in the lands that are slower, more quiet and filled with family and friends. We were finally home.

I've been a ball of emotions over the last two weeks as I've seen many family members and reunited with friends left behind in North Carolina. On my IG post, I warned that I am not pregnant. The considerable amount of tears that have flowed down these cheeks have been in response to the Lord's goodness. Though I've seen Him work in wonderful, awe-inspiring ways, it is sometimes the simplest of things that allow you a greater intimacy with Him - morning walks with my mama; family outings for a downtown concert with a sunset to kill in the backdrop; stepping in the bath tub with sweet M so she wouldn't scream when the water washed her hair; the sweetest of friends getting a surprise engagement last night / the answer to many of our prayers; a husband who knows me better than myself; a road trip with a best friend where we didn't take a breath of silence; and familiar faces that I love because the Lord gifted us a friendship. There was much transition over the last several weeks as I lived primarily out of a suitcase, but I wouldn't trade it for a thing. 

To see the Lord's goodness in the smallest of ways has humbled me. I don't have perfect or even pretty days for the most part. Most days I never put on make up. Some days I don't even want to smile because I'm beating myself up about something dumb I've said or done. Yet, He is gracious. He is good. He is kind. And just like I can't have a small bite of a cookie and must instead eat the entire thing, when we get a taste of the Lord's goodness -- we desire it more. 

I am thankful for the Lord's faithfulness in our marriage. I am thankful for the answers to His prayers in the smallest of ways. I'm pleased to make those "sipping noises" as M pours me a glass of pretend tea. I'm grateful for a family that I have such a love for that I have a hard time of leaving them when I pull out the driveway. I am thankful today. I've tasted and seen...

West Point Graduation 2016

After coming back from Disney, the next item for business was West Point graduation. I was less than thrilled having to be at West Point by 7:45 (if I'm going to be completely honest), but the excitement in the air completely changed my attitude. This was such an amazing ceremony to watch - I got a tad emotional, but that's not super surprising. The emotions flooded as I realized these cadets were no longer students but were immediately leaving West Point to go serve our country. I got emotional just thinking of the emotions flooding through the cadets' minds and their parents. 

Each year the speaker is a rotation between the President, Vice President and other officials. This year Joe Biden spoke at the graduation. I'd already reached my capacity when on the way up to the ceremony we were asked to turn and face the river as the motorcade approached. Seeing as how I'd never witnessed a motorcade before, I was working some serious side eye to take it all in - 10 SUVS and limos with tinted windows rode by. My assumption was: we needed to face the river to avoid any suspicious activity, whilst our VP rode by in one of 10 darkened vehicles. The side eye revealed our "concealed" VP plastered to the limo window looking out at all of us with our backs to him. Security measures - failed.

Graduation takes place in Michie stadium - Home to Army Football and Lacrosse. I'm sounding like tour guide Erin here.

When your husband is an instructor at West Point, you attend graduation. #proudArmywife

I could be completely wrong about this (it's been a while) but I think this is when all of the graduation Firsties stood to take their oath collectively.

This was the moment I waited for folks! I believe I took 10 "bursts" without even having to turn that function on. The cadets throw their hats in the air never to find them again - They are no longer cadets but are now considered 2nd Lieutenants! Children can run on to the field and grab a hat for good luck - it's quite the ordeal. I'm talking height requirements like it's your average carnival ride.

This photo. This probably best sums up the emotions I was referring to. This is a Haitian-born cadet who served in the Maryland National Guard before attending West Point. His face shows the realization of achieving great things in America where there was little opportunity in Haiti. (Photo cred: US Army, Staff Sgt. Vito Bryant) 

Following the graduation, Jeremy had the honor of commissioning the BCM President, Josh. Jeremy and Josh were the ones pushing the BCM through the first semester, and we are so thankful for Josh's leadership with this ministry. 

We ended our evening of graduation festivities by having several coworkers over to officially close out the school year with a Mexican buffet!

The Gandys Take New York

Over the last couple of weeks I've managed to make it to SC and back again. A visit to meet the nephew was in order and some Madelyn time was needed. It's all fun and games with a 17 month old at the children's museum with bubbles. We had a great time! The mama and daddy packed it up and drove me back to NY. My dad has never been to the city, so we thought a trip was in order for my birthday and Mother's Day! 

Thanks to my friend, Holly, we found this neat Citysighting Ferry and Madame Tussaud's combo deal. After a minute or thirty at the ferry booth, we are finally happy campers - and by happy camper I mean singular - me! She was taking her sweet precious time, and I was over. it. 

Selfie game strong with Lady Liberty and the fam.

Was it windy much? Absolutely! But I insisted on being at the front of that boat when we got to the Statue of Liberty!

 

Because the ferry company had a bus waiting for us, we were able to hop over to NBC Studios. My dad is a Today Show fan - let's be honest, the whole family is- so we could see inside the studio.
But first, let me get a cupcake! We celebrated the Birthday and Mother's Day with cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.

I stalked out the NBC Studios area while my parents were looking at some street art. I lost my cool and apparently my reaction time when I spied Lady Gaga and Ken Paves getting out of a vehicle. At least I didn't scream. My picture is a failed paparazzi of the back of their heads. Please note the lady with blonde hair aka Gaga.

Just a quick pit stop in Times Square...

 We cashed in on the other half of our combo package and visited Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. We might have a flare for the dramatic .. or just really great imaginations!

We finished the night at John's Pizza! It did not disappoint, and my dad loved New York pizza!

Nininger Hall, Ike Hall and Cold Spring, Oh my!

I love a good tour just as much as the next guy. A perfect little tour marries two of my favorite things together: History and Jeopardy-worthy facts that will get me nowhere in life. 

The spouses are given the opportunity to tour different facilities on post; thus I sign up and have a quick turnaround of RSVPness when a tour is offered. 

March brought us a tour of Nininger Hall. Clearly I'm a little behind in posts. This is the oldest barrack on post, though no longer used for this purpose. The Hall is now where Honor Code trials are held. Cadets run a tight ship and don't tolerate lying, stealing or cheating - therefore, the cadets must go to trial if that code of conduct is broken. Also housed in this building are replicas of barrack rooms from different wars. 

Left- WWII barrack

Right - Civil War barrack

The Civil War brought even a division at West Point. Cadets might have very well had to fight their roommates if they were on the opposing side.

 Great little quote here in the Honor Library.

Here is that Jeopardy-worthy trivia I'm talking about. This is the only place on post (and rightly so) where the swastika can be found. If you look closely, there is a lightning bolt striking the swastika to indicate the air raids at Normany that struck down the Nazis!

My friends and I walked through downtown Cold Spring last week on the hunt for lunch. Apparently all of Cold Spring shuts down on a Tuesday and may be in their stores "by chance"; I can't make this up. We landed at the Silver Spoon and walked through some antique shops. Jane and Holly had fun trying on old lady hats; however pics were strictly forbidden. 

How cute of a town is this? 

The April tour was held last Friday of Ike Hall. This is the second largest theater on the East coast next to Radio City. This is a theater that brings in 12 shows a year for cadets, post families, and the surrounding area. 

I rather enjoy taking a picture of a floor when it's something special - This floor was hand-laid oak tiles from the 70's. I marvel at the work. 

When you see the husband's class crest, you take a picture of it. "Never Falter, Never Quit" was from George W's speech after the attacks of 9/11. 06's were the first cadets to enter a post 9/11 West Point.

When I headed out from the tour, I spied this little Army phrase in the trees.

Welcome to Woodstock

There are a few things you should know about me:
I'm a unapologetically a History nerd.
I love the 60's.
I have a penchant for all things Woodstock though I would probably not have come within 100 miles of the actual festival.

Making my way to the state of New York due to marital bliss, I began exploring the historical things both near and far. I came upon this gem: Bethel Woods aka Home of Woodstock 1969. I knew in the very core of who I am as History major that I just HAD to go. And seeing as how "Opening Day" was this weekend, I had HAD to be the person who shows up on the first day of its season opening. Off we went to Bethel Woods!

As we got closer the museum, I felt like we had stepped back in time. Most notable would be the Kosmic Kafe we passed on the way in. Hello 1969. The road leading into the Bethel Woods area was so small that I kept telling Jeremy - "This has to be the road people walked into Woodstock." I took the picture in the museum to prove it!

Inside the bus! It resembled a typical commune-type bus that would have traveled to Woodstock jam packed with the hippie-ish kind.

Fashion of the 60's moved from Jackie O. to mod to hippie. Please note Twiggy in the background aka an America's Next Top Model judge.

The museum was filled with a'many o' fun facts including about a little lady who made quite a few sandwiches each day and drove to Woodstock to pass them out to those who were hungry. There were only 2 fatalities during the weekend. And there were "Freak out tents" for those who tried LSD for the first time and well... freaked out.

The highlight of the trip was seeing the actual field and monument. Here is my best attempt at channeling my inner Hippie.

Even Jeremy was excited about seeing the field! It was worth the entire trip. See the peace sign in the grass? We had a great time exploring the area and the museum. I was all over it and nearly skipped back to the truck with excitement! I am thankful he entertains my historical nerdy whims!

The Staches Take Manhattan

When family comes to town, you take them to New York City. My heart beats all sorts of happy just seeing the New York skyline! You may remember Jeremy and I taking a trip into the city around Christmas and being absolutely defeated by Manhattan. We took a beating and will probably never venture to see the tree on a Saturday again. This time we wanted to make a plan and show Manhattan who was boss - We did. Like. A. Boss. 

My friend Laura reminded me of the New York Pass, and we took full advantage. I'd used the pass before when I came to the city for my graduation present. My mom and I mapped our way through NYC and were determined to pull one over on this pass. If you plan to visit the city any time soon, I highly suggest the NY pass. (My own opinion and not a sponsored post.) I think we all had a great time. Jeremy and I felt nothing but sweet victory when leaving the borough that night on the train.

1st Stop - Madame Tusseud's Wax Museum

Jeremy got a little into it and insisted he have a picture with John Wayne.

Karly and I laughing it up with Wax Jimmy Fallon.

2nd Stop - Planet Hollywood

3rd Stop - Big Bus Tour. Top deck. Rollin high up. 

Bus view of Times Square.

4th Stop - SNL Exhibition

We partied hard like it was Wayne's World. 

View from the bus of the Chrysler building.

5th Stop - Top of the Empire State Building

He wanted a kiss. I obliged.

6th - Back on the bus to the south end. WTC 1

7th Stop - Lady Liberty

We hopped off the bus and ran through Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty.

It looks a lot closer than this picture would lead one to think.

We ended the evening by walking over to Rockefeller Plaza and cookies from Magnolia Bakery only before eating dinner at Grand Central.

She's a grand one alright!

These would be the faces of happy tourists.

The Bestie and Mama take on WP

The weekend of all weekends finally came! Amanda and the mama came to town! I'd been looking forward to this weekend for quite a while. Jeremy says I haven't shut up about it since Christmas. Not so. Orrrrr maybe. Either way, I was happy to have them here and show them life in this little area of the Northeast. 

One of my favorite things to do with Amanda is to walk the aisles of Target. We have it mapped out and would walk Target on any given Saturday night when we lived together. This is was the first time we were able to be in Target together since August!

We toured the Visitors Center, and I showed them the Commissary. We managed a selfie on a timer right in front of the barracks display. Not a single person walked by, so we felt confident in our efforts.

Do you see the cold in our eyes? Jeremy was our excellent West Point tour guide, unofficially official.

After a morning filled with Fuller House, we were ready to take the Vanderbilt Mansion by storm. 

I kept saying "Let's take a picture in front of the moose head." Clearly, it was a buffalo.

Notice my excitement. It's palpable!

It must be stated that the three of us LOVE a good tour, and this one didn't disappoint. We were thrilled to be able to take pictures inside the house. I, for one, tried to imagine the parties and all about the walls talking with deep secrets.

So it's not the Biltmore, but it is the same family. This was a "summer cottage". Eye roll.

I love this man. I can act a fool and pretend I'm all Gilded Age and he's just consistent.

 Before departure, we made our way back to West Point to see some parts outdoors because it was oh so cold earlier on the tour. The chain gang if you will.. 

These are my people. I cried happy tears when I had to leave them. My worlds collided into one place, and I couldn't have been more delighted.