Vvvvvrrrroooommmmmmmmmm!

It is so much fun now to pick up the phone and call Solder Tom. It's seems surreal. I had never called him while he was in Iraq, I had to depend on him being able to call home, depending on available phones, long lines, and all that stuff. We were on our way out of the driveway this morning and I wanted to just say Hello - just a quick greeting.

So I dialed his number on my cell and after he answered his cell and I could tell he was not alone. And, of course he knew right away it was me. I told him we were on our way to Costco and was there anything he needed. That brought on a big laugh since I've been given firm instructions - "no more boxes." I was only kidding though because I knew he had what he needed - now.

He said he was in his car and he and the guys were on their way to the PX. He was happy as could be. He said his car was working just fine except the tires were a little low on air. We worried how the car would fare sitting for a whole year without being started. He said no problem starting it too. There he was with his soldier buddies doing their thing. I'm so happy he's back.

Short conversation but it made my day.

Back in the U. S. A.

Yes, they've arrived.

I've talked to Tom a couple times today - gosh, its so good to be able to call him and talk whenever. They have the day off and were out shopping at Wal-Mart for goodies for a surprise party for recently promoted officer. I asked him how that was to be shopping in regular clothes too. He liked breathing clean air, being able to see without the sand blowing, and many other things now that he's back on U. S. terra firma. Oh, he appreciated not having to carry a gun around all the time. Awesome!

I am very thankful he's back.

A new Day

I talked to Soldier Tom twice yesterday - - delight, delight, delight!!! The first I called his cell number just to see if he was stateside and if his cell was working. We had received a note from our FRG person so we knew they were in NJ at McGuire AFB. I was too antsy and couldn't concentrate. I hadn't dialed (dialed? we don't dial telephone numbers anymore, do we?) Anyway, I plunked in the numbers after checking the authencity of the number since I had forgotten - hadn't called the number since last year - a deliquent case of CRS. He answered!!! Oh boy! was is so good to hear his voice and without the hesitation that is apart of an overseas call. I forgot to ask him how it felt to be able to use his phone and text again and not have to stand in a line to get to a landline. He couldn't talk long - only about 30 seconds, they were in a meeting and having a ceremony and people were greeting the troops and there was a lot of voices in the background. It was exciting! I did raise cain at him because he was texting his friends but he didn't call home!!! Did I make him feel guilty?

Well, he called home later after they had gotten on the bus to head south to Ft. Bragg. He mentioned that they were stopped at a McDonald's - can you imagine that? Their first McDonald USA stop!!!! There were two bus loads of Army soldiers. Tom said a woman in the drive-through asked if they were all going to eat there? She probably felt like she was never going to get her food! It was an awesome conversation that only lasted a couple of minutes because they were loading up the busses to head to their "home" base.

I haven't heard from him since but I am so relieved just the same knowing our Solder Tom is back in the USA safe and sound.

Soldier Tom

Got the good news last night - Soldier Tom should be in the USA this morning. I haven't heard anything yet - but I am anxiously wait! Should be back to his tromping grounds - Ft. Bragg, by tonight! Allelulia!

The group playing - Nickleback, is one of his favorite musical groups.

Earth Day and Shingles Update

Ha Ha! I thought those two would be good starters. What are you going to do for that hour designated for the salvation of our earth? I have no plans to turn off anything purposefully for anything that remotely concerns any environmental groups. I disagree with whats-his-name, sorry, a CRS moment, oh that's it - Al Gore. Oh, I guess this is a political item and should be on my political blog, but, oh well! I've already started. Anyhow - we ALREADY conserve! Everyday - all day, we conserve - and one hour with our lights off won't do anything to our electric bill. We recycle, and we turn off our lights and don't cook or bake during the high power hours, and we buy energy efficient appliances and on and on! I am surprised at how many parts of our country DON'T recycle - not my fault, our family does their part all the time, every day.

By the way - has anyone thought about this-----Bob mentioned it this morning - - -what's going to happen after everyone has turned off their lights, then after an hour turn them back on? That will be one heck of a power surge! DUH!!! It will be very interesting to see and hear the outcome. I know a lot of people are committed to this - but don't count us in!

Now onto the Shingles Update - I've heard reports from my relatives and others about shingles and how awful they are. I don't want to say too much because my husband reads my blogs and I don't want to depress him anymore than he already is. My aunt has give me strict instructions that we can't visit her while he has shingles because he is contagious! She had it six years ago and because of all of her health problems it would be traumatic for her to be exposed again - her cancer has come back. I don't know what I am going to do - this is one of those times when I want to be in ten places at once. As you get older you realize you're lucky to be where you are at the time!!

Ever since Bob announced he has shingles I feel itchy all over - its just my imagination but it sure is annoying. So all my youngin readers, be aware of the grossly stuff you inherit when you get passed 60. My mom always said "get a lot while you're young" so just do it! and enjoy your energy and stamina while you are young because life sure does peeter out after you start getting your social security benefits.

Have a great day. For those of you who are in the bad weather zone - which seems to be taking up most of the U. S. east from New Mexico on - I hope you are safe. Please take good care. You are in our prayers. God bless you!

Two out of Four PLUS news from Soldier Tom

Another Meatless Friday - not long now one more plain Meatless Fridays, then Holy Week and Good Friday. It's going to be salmon patties tonight with my famous homemade mac and cheese. I planned salmon patties last week but something came up. Here's a recipe for salmon patties that I just found on line - I don't follow any recipe and use cracker crumbs I smash myself - also I don't put parsley in either - but if you're interested - here it is.

Today I have definite plans to work here in my office. I have to make a big dent in reorganizing this room today and tomorrow. I hope there are no surprises to distract me and I am so easily distracted. Once we have the big bookcase moved out of the what is a closet, Bob will have to put the clothes rack pole back in the closet and we need to buy new louver doors. We won't bother painting them because we'll have the interior of the house painted right before we get ready to put the house up for sale and we'll paint all the doors then.

Tom sent an email message this morning. I can't tell you how elated I was, and yes I cried, I cry everytime I think of him. He is still in Kuwait but in the process of getting ready to head back. He sounded quite excited to be heading home! I'm going to call the insurance company this morning and get that process in the works for his car. Don't you know he will want to go somewhere when he gets back on base!!!! I hope the car has fared well just sitting for twelve months.

We have two sick-os and two well in our home right now. Kevin is recovering from surgery but getting around okay and Bob has shingles. I got the shingles vaccination and I sure hope I don't get what Beverly got. She works in our Docs office and a day after she got the shot the site where she got shot swelled up like a football and turned red. They said it was an effect of the vaccination. I'm hoping that doesn't happen to me - - so far so good!!! Alex is the four well child in the house. They are having a pizza party at school today to celebrate Earth Day or something like that. She attends a really great school. I had to pick her up the other day when Bob was with Kev at the hospital. The schools today really go through terrific security checks before you can get your child - - and I am very thankful for that - no problem for me at all.

Hoping you each have a great day and accomplish all that you wish you accomplish. God bless you with abundant gifts today. Take care.

A very special blessing

Today I met up with a friend. I had also seen her last week and she had shared problems she was having with her mother-in-law last week. I told her I would pray for her. She is young probably in her 20s and pregnant, and today I found out she had miscarried her first two pregnancies. This pregnancy has gone farther than either of the first two so she was very hopeful this baby would make it to maturity. She is very nice and excellent at her job - that is the environment I see her in and how we became friends.

Her mother-in-law was living with her and her husband. She was disruptive, bossy and possessive of my friend's husband. I was very sympathetic to her situation because I knew exactly what she was going through. I had a difficult mother-in-law and no matter what I did was never enough and she never liked me. My friend and I talked quite a lot about the matter.

Today I saw my friend again and her first piece of news was that her mother-in-law had moved out although she did moved in with another son. This woman has a bad reputation, before living in my friend's home, she lived with her first son. This lady needs to get a life away from her kids and let them have a life.

Today my friend was so happy as she was telling me the news and she was almost bubbling out of her skin. She also introduced me to her mother. She is as beautiful as my friend is.

I have experienced first hand in my face at least three serious answers to prayers in recently months. I am totally awesomely thankful when this happens. Thank you Lord for all your blessings. We are grateful!

Good news

Well, its been a good day - Thank you, Lord! Kevin's surgery was a lot later than expected so he and Bob had a long time wait until the grand event happened. The surgery was a success. There was something about his vertebrae and also his nerve was crooked or something - I'm too tired to get into technical terms. But he commented that his leg was painless for the first time in years. So, I do appreciate very much your prayers and support. You are super duper special!

Also, heard about Tom's Platoon from our talented and great FRG leader - Nit - who passed on very positive information about Tom and where they are. Hoping we'll be getting a call or email very soon.

It's the worrying you know, lots on my plate right now and all that good news eases my burden. Taking Bob to the doctor's office tomorrow. Shingles have come to the Sullivan's and I don't mean roof shingles - but old age stuff. There's good medication for it now a day contrary to the pain my dad had to go through back in the 60s. Thank goodness for medical advances.

Very grateful to my thoughtful and prayerful friends. Where would I be without you in my life? Thanks so much.

Requests for Prayers

I have two requests - our son Kevin is going in for back surgery this morning. Kevin is our youngest son and is single with a beautiful daughter, Alexandra. They live with us. If you are familiar with back injuries or back pain, then you will understand how he's been feeling.

The second request is for the safe return to the states for Tom and his Platoon. I haven't heard from Tom since the short note awhile back. They should be heading home but could be anywhere waiting on a transport, the weather, or anything. If you have a military person in your family, you understand first hand the anxiety I am feeling - and the worry. We have heard they should arrive back to Ft. Bragg next week. Tom is a young man and doesn't realize, yet, how a mom worries. I don't want him to realize the total stress I feel but I wish he would write or call. You know what I'm talking about, don't you?

Thanks so much for your prayers.

Wednesday's Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Elena

Chief Master Sergeant Paul Wesley Airey"


"Chief Airey was an Airman’s Airman and one of the true pioneers for our service," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. "He was a warrior, an innovator… and a leader with vision well ahead of his time. His legacy lives today in the truly professional enlisted force we have serving our nation… and for that we owe him a debt of gratitude.
"Chief Airey was born in Quincy, Mass., on December 13, 1923. At age eighteen, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December, 7, 1941, Airey quit high school to enlist in the Army Air Forces on November 16, 1942. He later earned his high school equivalency certificate through off-duty study. During World War II he flew as a B-24 radio operator and additional duty aerial gunner. On his 28th mission, then-Technical Sergeant Airey and his fellow crewmen were shot down over Vienna, Austria, captured, and held prisoner by the German air force from July 1944 to May 1945. During his time as a prisoner of war he worked tirelessly to meet the basic needs of fellow prisoners, even through a 90-day forced march.Chief Airey held the top enlisted from April 3, 1967 to July 31, 1969. During his tenure he worked to change loan establishments charging exorbitant rates outside the air base gates and to improve low retention during the Vietnam Conflict. Chief Airey also led a team that laid the foundation for the Weighted Airman Promotion System, a system that has stood the test of time and which is still in use today. He also advocated for an Air Force-level Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. His vision became reality when the academy opened in 1973, becoming the capstone in the development of Air Force Senior NCOs. Chief Airey retired August 1, 1970. He continued advocating for Airmen’s rights by serving on the boards of numerous Air Force and enlisted professional military organizations throughout the years. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Airmen Memorial Museum, a member of the Air Force Memorial Foundation and the Air University Foundation.
On the north wall of the Air Force Memorial in Washington D.C., Chief Airey’s thoughts on Airmen are immortalized, "When I think of the enlisted force, I see dedication, determination, loyalty and valor." The Air Force Association honored Airey with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Chief Airey passed away on March 11, 2009 at his home in Panama City, Florida

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People LivedThis post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

I'm Already There (Message From Home)

This video and song is so amazing. I cry everytime I hear it. I wanted to share with you. I hope you are having a great Monday and you and your family are all well. Before turning on the video, please scroll down to my music player at the bottom of the page and turn the music off. Thanks! Take care and God bless.

A day of Awe! and aaahhhhhhh!

Sunday has always been a special day for me. I am thankful as well that my husband, a workaholic that he is, has respect for Sunday as the Lord's Day. My husband is the happiest when he is busy doing something, anything, even the most insignificant job, but today he rests.

There's something different in the air, the atmosphere and attitude on Sunday. The beginning of the week, a new vision, and the chance to rest up from the hectic days of the past and realign thinking for the week ahead. God really did know what He was doing and I write that as His humble servant not to be tacky but absolutely recognizing His All-Knowing power. He knew we needed this one day to give glory to Him and to rest our spirits.

It's a day to take a breath, fresh breath and new thinking, if possible. To give thanks for all our blessings and to ask His help to replenish our energies and to give guidance for our trials ahead in the coming days. I cannot survive without His presence in my life.

I hope you have a beautiful day today. I ask for one or two favors from my Lord, the first is a simple request and that is that it will rain on our neighborhood and town today because we really need the watering, and secondly, that you and your family are blessed and protected all days. Take care.

Two weeks

Fingers crossed, in, maybe, hopefully, perhaps, two weeks Soldier Tom and Platoon will land on American soil at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. I heard from the contact person of the FRG regarding information on PTSD, adjustments and all other situations that could result after deployment. I have two assignments which relate to his arrival stateside - activating his car insurance because his car is on Ft. Bragg and we were permitted to have minimun coverage on his car since it was in storage; and my second assignment is to activate his cell phone.

He has been driving Humvees since he's been in Iraq. What a difference it will be for him at home base when he drives his Saturn for the first time! I'd love to be there!

I am half way through the job of having my office packed and then I will have to move furniture. I would like to be totally finished within one week. Just incase Soldier Tom does come home for spring break and brings a guest. Can't wait! Not much news here today although lots happening next week Kevin will have back surgery Wednesday and Tom's arrival home soon.

It is typical allergy weather here. Our spring flowers are so lovely. Maybe rain here tomorrow - that would be a blessing.

Spring has sprung

The tulips have been up for about a week now, little grape hyacinths have been multiplying in the front flower bed and are so precious. We have a couple beautiful red tulips right out in front and a few daffodils growing around. Lots to see and enjoy. The birds are zipping, zooming, and fluttering all over the place.

The rose bushes look so healthy right now, but once the heat comes on in June and July they will look exhausted. Due to our water restrictions, many of our fruit trees have died, as well as several roses. Until the heat comes, everything looks beautiful and refreshing.

This morning while I was watching early morning news, Kevin got up and said he was going out to find the quail that was chattering and woke him up. The side of our house looks like a small bird sanctuary. There are medium height but full oleander bushes lining ours and the neighbors fence line on one side and full bushy green shrubs along the house with a pathway and flowerbed and trees in the center. The flowering plum is in full bloom.. There is a gardeners bench that Bob made me in the corner and unless someone walking or driving down the street takes notice, you can remain invisible sitting there watching nature and people go by. It's very shady due to our large mulberry trees. Several hummingbirds, doves, and other birds have built their nests in that trees in that area and we have found the nests after the birds have flown the coup.

Last night Bob and I sat outside to enjoy the evening atmosphere and quiet. We can see the strip and Nellis Air Force Base lights and watch the airplanes from a distance as they fly into the final landing path to McCarran Airport. It's quiet and pleasant up here in our neighborhood. The evening temperatures are not too cool and thankful, not hot at all, but just right. Spring is the best time of the year here in the Las Vegas Valley

Today is another Lenten Meatless Friday, but I'm not sure what I'll cook for dinner, I have thought of Salmon patties and buttered noodles - another one of my mom's favorite Friday suppers. We have doctor check ups today - both Bob and I, then we'll head to Wal-Mart and Costco for shopping. JoAnne's is having a sale on their jewelry beads. I showed granddaughter Alex the ad and she pointed out the colors for me to buy. I enjoy creating jewelry with her - she has more imagination than I do. Last week she made a necklace for a friend out of pink bead and it was really pretty. Alex is very creative.

I hope you have a great day today and if I don't talk to you over the weekend, I hope you have a good one. May God bless you with abundant health and peace of mind today.

One who laughs!

Within the past couple of weeks, I've been talking with my Aunt Thelma who lives in Ohio. The news hasn't been so good. I am in a difficult situation because we live so far away and right now we are not in the position we can pick up and leave to see about matters that mean so much.

Aunt Thelma's cancer has come back. She was almost at the five year mark from her breast cancer surgery, so now this. She has several other severe ailments which make life difficult for her. As I've written in previous posts about my Aunt, she has a great attitude. Through all the bad news, she can continue to joke around and we always have great laughs. We enjoy so many of the same things in life. She is my mom's sister. My mom was a ball of fun to be with but she was very strict with me. Not much got by her, she was a clever and cunning and could read my face easily. Mom stopped me from telling little white lies when I was a little kid when she told me those white lines on my finger nails showed how many lies I told. I was a grown up before I knew the real truth to that, but it stopped me from telling little white lies, and really that's all they were - and no, I have no white lines on my nails!!! Mom passed away some years back. I sure do miss her!

When Thelma married Uncle Dick, they bought a place in our neighborhood so I rode my bike to visit a lot. I never thought that maybe they didn't want a little kid hanging around their place. They would have me for dinner. Aunt Thelma made the very best mashed potatoes of anyone in the whole wide world, now Uncle Dick has taken over the job, and his is pretty good too.

Our time on this earth is so unpredictable, we don't know when it will be our time. If you are of a faith in God, you know we are placed here for a reason and once that time and reason has been accomplished it is your time to go be with Your Father. Those words are etched in unerasable ink in my memory because of the others who have left me, those who have made me laugh, cry, smile, and be joyful. I don't like this part of life, I really don't. But, it's inevitable and I can't run away from it.

I sent Aunt Thelma the flowers in the photo. It was sort of a trial order because I usually go through a regular florist. I had been online involved in something when an ad for FlowersPro, I think it was called, popped up. I thought it would be a good idea to send her flowers for no reason except to let her know we were thinking of her. What else can I do - I'm not there to help. I feel so empty and sad that I can't be there, but I have responsibilities here - isn't that the way it is as an adult.

We are going to try to go see her and Uncle Dick once we find out when Soldier Tom will be coming home and after Kevin's back surgery. See, life fills our time with responsibilities. I know God is watching and saying "it'll all work out, and you can manage!" Only with His help and guidance.

Please keep Aunt Thelma in your prayers. She is one of those very special people.

Wednesday Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Kathi Kevin Baker Kevin George Baker, a disabled Navy veteran, had been riding his hand-propelled bicycle from his hometown through Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Marseilles, Illinois to support a new flag designed to honor fallen members of the military. His trip began at his home on Saturday, March 7 and sadly ended on March 13 when he passed away in his sleep. Baker, who is unable to use his legs due to a neurological impairment, was flying the Honor and Remember Flag from his bike and encouraged people along the way to sign a petition urging Congress to adopt the flag as a new national symbol by passing HR Bill 1034.You can read the rest of Baker's story hereThese brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People LivedThis post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Where are you Soldier Tom?

He is on his way back from Iraq, but I know not where he is. He hasn't written or emailed. Once they leave their main base they join up with the other platoon members in Baghdad. From there, they are flown to another base for the final trip to Ft. Bragg. The weather, mainly dust storms, are the biggest factor on who or when flights are scheduled. There are a lot of military personel coming and going in Iraq. It is definitely a "hurry up and wait" ordeal. We pray for their safe journey home.

I did received an email from our FRG leader yesterday and they are preparing a meeting for the families of our deployed soldiers who are on their way home to Ft. Bragg. This information includes education on how to recognize PTSD and other brain disorder problems. I've inquired whether those of us who are not on base or living on the east coast and unable to attend those meetings would receive the information also - I was notified that yes, I would receive information also.

I am so excited I can hardly contain my tears for the excitement I feel. I have to hurry and get things done and ready for his homecoming because he may just surprise us coming home sooner than he had planned. We have lots of yellow bows to make to tie around our trees.

I hope you have a great week. May God bless each and everyone of you and keep you safe.

Sunday - the Lord's Day, a day of rest

Thank you Lord, for this beautiful day and all our blessings. We can make a choice of seeing our life as the glass half full or half empty. I know the most difficult time to see a light is when we are in the midst of trials, worries or misery. I believe that as the poem and poster relates Jesus is carrying us during that time. Sometimes it is really difficult to hold on to our faith and trust in His Words that He will always protect us. I am so guilty of being fickle - I can write these words of encouragement but when I am down and out I am a victim of my own self-pity. I guess babysteps and one day at a time for some like me is my salvation and to never give up.

We went to our first Blue Star Mother's meeting yesterday although we've been members since Soldier Tom joined the Army. We each introduced ourselves and spoke briefly about our military family member and our family. Some mothers have two or more serving right now - and most are either in Afganistan or heading there. It was an awesome experience for Bob and I to be there. They are a terrific unselfish group and do so much for our troops serving our country today. Here is the link to national's website if you are interested and have a child serving - you don't have to be a Mother to join, and you can donate to their wonderful cause.

We went out to eat on our way home from the meeting. We went to Outback and I just have to share - we had the most wonderful waitress we've ever had. I was raised in the service business and have worked for many service oriented businesses. I would say I am very experienced in judging the difference between good and bad service. Our server took care of each and every one of her "clients" at her tables and gave each one outrageous TLC and personal attention. She had a terrific personality and was very cheerful - but not overly aggressive. Her name is Michelle, and I look forward to having her as our server again when we go back - I will ask for her personally.

I hope you have a wonderful day today. I hope you are healthy and accomplish what you set out to do this week. God bless you all.

The smell of bacon cooking

Do you associate different affairs in your life with smells or aromas you may come upon in your daily routine? At this instance, my husband is cooking bacon and eggs, and the aroma of the bacon is so comforting and alluring. You might be wondering why I'm not cooking him breakfast but since he's retired he enjoys cooking. Also you might wonder why I'm not in the kitchen with him, well, he would cook me breakfast too, but unfortunately I have a problem with some foods since I've gotten old - - and I won't go into that story. How gross! Its just one of those ugly disgusting things that happen in life. Moan and groan!

It is a beautiful day here in southern Nevada and as per the national weather map, it looks like everywhere in our country today there is good weather. Thank goodness, for a change. We saw four hummingbird at the feeders yesterday - one extra since we have three regulars that stay around all winter. Bob has had to keep at the feeders to keep them filled - the hummers are hungry and we'll probably seen some babies in a few weeks.

This afternoon we are going to our first ever meeting with the Blue Star Mothers. I am looking forward to meeting everyone in our chapter. I've got to find a photo of Tom to take to put on their photo board. I sent them one of him for our website already. I hope I didn't pack all his photos.

We bought some terrific boxes from this place called Box Brothers. They have all sorts of odd sizes available. The one I bought is double layered with handles - I am thrilled to have found a good sturdy one to hold my photo albums. They are large and heavy and the handles will be an advantage for Bob. We'll buy the bulk of the boxes from CostCo. They sell them in bulk at a great price.

Well, that's it for today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and have some fun. May God bless you and your family abundantly.

Lenten Friday, no meat again

I wonder how many of the Catholics reading this post were around when their mom's served them tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches or tuna sandwiches on Friday. Way back in the day, it was a Catholic law we couldn't have meat on Friday, then someone changed the rules. I don't do many sacrifices during lent, don't know why, but we do give up meat on Fridays and a couple other things. Being humble is a part of it all too - not suppose to brag about sacrifices. This is just a discussion about days gone by and memories of what use to be. I remember tuna casseroles, too, and egg sandwiches. Today I make a mean tuna casserole that is pretty good and it's an all in one dish too. Meatless Fridays brings the ole time meaning of Lent back to me.

I got a call last night from my Aunt and Uncle in Ohio. They are so much fun and I love being with them My aunt is my mom's sister and our whole family love having a good time. My aunt has been sick for some time with all sorts of things, but she still keeps in good spirits and we always find something silly to laugh at. She had breast cancer (radical) almost five years ago. She was doing fine until she went in for a check up recently and they found problems. She's will be 80 next month. It is so difficult to deal with these situations when there is so much distance between us. I want to go back to see her, but, as is always the situation most times, there's always something else to attend to that is just as important. It tears me into pieces. Son Kevin will have back surgery in a couple of weeks and we have to be here for granddaughter Alex. There's no one else here to help. And, Soldier Tom may come home early too.

We go through our daily lives with needs and requirements and we do the best we can, then boom! out of the blue the heavy trials come into our life. Yes, it is life and it is all apart of growing up and getting older to deal with health and life problems of one sort or another. I have prayed so hard and committed for my Aunt as I did for my mom and Brian too, but regardless, some things are out of our hands. Those are the things that are most difficult to accept and I question. My faith is always shaken to the bone during these times, and I always ask why! Always! Pain and suffering for the good! Why is that? My aunt is the sweetest person, as was my mom and my son. I know it is what our life is all about, only temporarily here and pain apart of it all. I don't care, I just don't like it anyhow.

Mellow but deep thinking

Hmmm, as I typed that title, I wondered if those two moods actually go together! Perhaps. I broke down and ordered the HP netbook I've been wanting - its a mini laptop computer. The memory is minimum but I didn't get it for my big file items but to carry where ever I go. To help us if we get lost, or find a restaurant and all that sort of stuff. I thought about getting the Verizon Blackberry Storm which is very cool and I would be eligible for at a lower cost, but I decided to go this direction. I'm pretty satisfied with the phone I have now, it takes photos and I can talk on it. Now, there's no competition if a call comes in and I'm in the middle of a project.

When I am in "computer"mode my mind is centered on computer jargon stuff and all emotion is saturated onto that network process until I have accomplished my goal of completion and up and working. So, if I don't post for a couple of days, do not worry, I am here but preoccupied. Do not misunderstand, I absolutely enjoy working on computers in every aspect - they have been a Godsend in my life.

As mentioned in other blog posts, my main correspondents with Soldier Tom the majority of the time is via e-mail messaging or Yahoo IMing. I left my Yahoo IMing thingie open last night and when I came back into this room after dinner, the IM screen was open and he had been on - calling my name: "Grandma, Grandma, Grandma!" So, I responded but no immediate response from him. About an hour later, he was back on line and we IM'd for about an hour. He also IM's his friend who is in North Carolina. He also opens up his webcam for me. I don't have a webcam on this computer - but I do on the Netbook, so I am anxious to get it up and running so we can use our webcam too. - I must admit I am not ALL that excited because I am a VERY casual person and sometimes my hair looks like I've been rolling around in the hay, and with no make up, YUCK! but thank goodness, Tom only sees me as Grandma - the vanity part of me will be challenged with he invites Tine (pronounced Tina), his friend, to view my webcam! Oh, holy moley!

Soldier Tom is doing fine - he looks magnificent! He is such a character! They should be leaving Camp Taji in a couple of days, and may be stateside by late next week. He may be home in a month. I can't wait!

I hope you all have a terrific day. God bless you!

Wednesday's Hero

Spc. Brian K. Baker 27 years old from West Seneca, New York2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)November 07, 2004

Near his hometown, the flag flew at half-staff outside the East Concord Volunteer Fire Department where Baker had been a junior firefighter. He joined the Army shortly after graduating from Springville-Griffith Institute in 1996 with the goal of making it his career, friends said."You might say it was his calling," said Lori Ploetz, a longtime family friend. "He was great at what he did. He was respected by his peers."

Spc. Brian Baker was killed when a vehicle-borne IED detonated near his security patrol in Baghdad. He leaves behind his parents, his wife, Amy, and two daughters who were born after his death.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.comThese brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Distinguished Service Cross

This morning Bob and I were watching Fox news as is routine everyday. One news report that has stood out for me even more so than the stock market was the threat by North Korea sending off missiles. My heart is always immediately brought to our military and those that serve to protect us so willingly.

Our Soldier Tom works in the area of missiles. Last year there was an incident where one of the transports carrying stryker missiles was demolished by a bomb and I wanted to share that story with you. Close to home! I haven't talked to Tom about it yet - he doesn't share much about the things going on over there and tells me he is safe and not to worry. But, I know better and I do worry, but I don't want him to know that.

Please check out this story here.

Brothers at War Movie

Please check this movie out at YouTube here. It is 7 minutes long but very moving and descriptive. Gary Sinise was on Gov Mike Hickabee's show this evening talking about this movie which will come out to theatres in a couple of weeks. Gary Sinise is one of the producers.

Message from Soldier Tom

I just glanced at Airman Mom's pre-blog writing on my Dashboard and she writes about the sand storms in Iraq. Tom didn't mention that. This is a photo of a sandstorm rolling in on one of the bases in Iraq. There are photos listed on my blog how it is one of of the sandy days with Tom and his troops. He wrote not long ago that he and a buddy were going on a run but it was really dusty (sandy) and he didn't know how far they would get. They do have a gym with equipment but I know Tom enjoys running with his buddies.

I was so glad to receive an email message from Tom this morning. I usually catching him IMing on Yahoo although our online timing has been off. I can see that he's been on Yahoo, but its been over a week since we've connected. I know he's very busy and they are getting ready to leave, but it's been too long between contacts. So, I sent him a short note with a photo. I'm not sure if it was my note or photo that prompted him to write, but he wrote and I am always, always, so relieved to hear from him. He said their internet hasn't been working well lately. They are getting ready to leave but now are going through all sorts of briefings before they leave Taji. They will have to spend a week or so at Camp Liberty, Baghdad, before heading back to Ft. Bragg.

I told Tom I had made a Facebook page and met up with a couple of old friends - old being the operative word, since we are all old now. He was impressed but gave a couple of "ha-ha's" and said "my grandma is so modern" oh that's classic! I'll now enjoy being thought of as a "modern grandma!"

I am thankful the military is making it mandatory to talk to the soldiers about "post-deployment stress." As we are aware there are a lot of soldiers who find the change from the being involved with the war back to the everyday life of a everyday citizen very agonizing and traumatic. We don't do enough for our soldiers and their families.

Tom is ready and anxious to get back home stateside. And, I can't wait to see him. Gads, I wish we could see him get off the plane at Ft. Bragg. We'll have to wait and see him when he lands in Las Vegas in May or June.

Lenten Prayers and Thoughts

It's after 8 PM and between TV shows, not quite ready to call it a night, so one last hurrah on this electronic device. As I sat down and cleaned up some paperwork next to my chair I saw the Living Faith meditational booklet that my friend, Hilda, sends me. I am guilty of not reading it daily even though I know I can use the extra boost of faith each day's reading brings me.

Today's reading is very appropriate to a parcel of feelings that I've carried for years. My life as a Christ Loving person has taken many turns and lows and highs. I've never lost my faith even in the low spots but in those low places when I gave up talking to God I knew my friends and family were praying for me. There are days I feel like I am walking in an empty space with no spirits to guide me but I've learned those are the days when He is there watching but letting me search for the answer on my own but with His guidance. I do believe in His Angels too surrounding me.

My biggest trial, test, exasperation, maddness and void was when Brian died. There's been lots of crisis in my life, but none so as Brian dying. I gave everything I had to him, for him and with him for those years we cared for him at home after his accident. I firmly believe that Mothers are gifted with a degree of hope and love no mortal man would understand. And through all that care and hope I wanted that he would survive. I hoped with all my heart that he would recover from his brain damage and that his lungs would heal. We did everything for him everyday. He was our everything during that time. We also shared our love raising a grandson, our daughter's son. She was diagnosed with a mental illness a short time after we brought Brian home from the VA hospital. The struggle to raise an active undisciplined at the time four year old boy and attempt to get my daughter in a mental hospital was beyond imaginable. Bob and I were younger, stronger and more determined then. God did bless us with all the strength we needed to care for these children's needs. He gave Bob and I a chore to care for His children because He knew we would do what was necessary. I know today that He gave something greater to Bob and I than we could ever imagine because our marriage survived this trial where we know other marriages have fail even less. Our marriage is so blessed and our love is so great for one another, I see it now that is our gift for following His will.

Grandson Tom has turned out to be a wonderful person. I love him so much and can't imagine how he felt not having a father and having a mother who was ill and couldn't care for him. I always had faith in him and stood by him and with him and he has gone on to be all he can be. We do have miracles and God's love is apparent and prayers are answered but we have to have the faith eyes to see and accept. Suzanne still struggles with her illness but she is taken care of and we are all here as her family to love her and be with her when she needs us. She will never be the same and it is very difficult to understand how our only daughter suffers with this illness.

I guess I am sending mixed messages. There are the prayers unanswered, the questionable reactions, and blank slate where we never know why. Bob and I talk about this all the time, even though Brian died almost nine years ago, we still talk about our feelings that we knew God could have healed Brian, we've seen Him heal others. We know all the usual sayings "it was his time" and "he's in a better place" the things people say to make you feel better, we know, we know, but it doesn't help. We are compelled to accept only for sanity sake that we will find out when we get to Heaven.

Today's reading in the book says "Ask and it will be given to you...Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish?" Matthew 7:7, 9-10.

The author, Pat Livingston, of today's meditation in her second paragraph says this: "Only slowly have I realized that it has been in that breaking open that I have come closer to God. It may not have been the bread I had asked for, but it was the Bread of Life."

She's finishes by praying: "Dear God, help us to trust that, no matter what we ask for, you will always give us life."

Facebook

Yesterday I was feeling under the weather and I was given permission by the one in charge to take the day off. So, I decided to mess around on my computer and little did I realize how fast the time flies when you really are doing something you enjoy. And, how a little relaxation and a spoon full of honey makes the medicine go down - I didn't actually get medicine, but that sounded appropriate for ending that sentence.

A girl I went to grade school with sent me an invitation to join her Facebook, and it was all up hill from there. I'm not sure I have the grasp of it yet, or if there is more I can do on my Facebook page, but it was nice getting in touch with old friends. And, the distraction and enjoyment was all it took to cure the ails.

I hope you had a good day too and your week is going well. Take good care, and God bless you abundantly with all your needs.

Wednesday's Hero

Sgt. Stephen HowellSgt. Stephen Howell, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band percussionist, races a student at Palisades Elementary School in Pearl City, Hawaii during an 11-event circuit course Feb. 20. More than 20 Marines assisted local park volunteers with manning the different events.These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People LivedThis post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.