And the days dwindle down...

The past 10 days have been a whirlwind of activity at our house - and of course we've done our share of activity at the local malls. We have watched Kasey enjoy being with his mommy and daddy - the three of them fit together like a glove. Santa came and went - actually he just rested a bit and mentioned something about sticking around til next year. HUGE dinner on Thursday which was really good (sorry, that sounds somewhat boastful but really, Ron prepped the roast and put it in the oven, brined the turkey and roasted that too). I made the side dishes like stuffing, the mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, the squash, green bean casserole, whipped cream fruit salad, homemade gravies - turkey and beef - and the apple crisp and blueberry pie.
I was blessed in that Ron, Scott and Vi, Stephen and Laurie cleaned up the kitchen for me and you know what that can be like after a holiday meal is cooked.
And there have been the quiet afternoons and evenings - playing Rummikub and Risk (now WHY would I play Risk - a military strategy game with two soldiers and a Navy Veteran)?
Kasey has been a happy little boy - I have of course stepped back from the guardian role and have just been grandma, letting his mom and dad make all the decisions about things. Today we went to the library - wish I could have had a camera when I happened on Ron and Kasey in "their" reading corner.
And so, as the days dwindle down, I am so thankful we've had this time with our soldiers. I knew it couldn't last forever and will enjoy every moment we have yet to spend together. If you could please pray for them as they leave one another, and Kasey, it would be so appreciated.
Funny thing, whenever Ron and I used to visit them - or they would visit us - we'd always joke about keeping Kasey. Ironically, it's not a joke anymore - we DO get to keep him. I smile in gratitude, while my eyes mist over at the thought of them separating again.
I know that God will keep me strong; it is my one certainty - Faith.
God bless our troops and those who love them.

Love is a beautiful thing.

An Early Christmas.

I know - I've been awol in recent days. Kasey had a cold, work was kind of busy because it was the semester end final processing, and oh yeah, I got an early Christmas present.
On Wednesday, my phone rang at work. It was Ron - asking me to look outside. I said you are an hour early picking me up, but ok, I'll be right out. I left the office, went to the outer hallway and looked out the door. Sitting in his carseat grinning like crazy was Kasey. And sitting next to him - looking at me - was Stephen. STEPHEN!! I screamed. Went out the door and hugged him within an inch of his life. A financial aid advisor - also a good friend - was on his way back into the office, witnessed the whole thing and came over to shake Stephen's hand. And another good friend was witnessing the whole thing through her office window.
To say that I was shocked just doesn't do it. To say that I was happy also doesn't do it...but to say that I cried unabandoned tears of joy? That's more like it.
Ron knew it was a possibility last week and then he got the call on Tuesday from Stephen that he was on his way home and could he pick him up from the airport.
Laurie didn't know and wouldn't have known had she not checked their checking account online this morning and found out that someone had used Stephen's bank card to buy some stuff yesterday...and rented a car. When she instant messaged me I told her every thing Stephen told me to say. An hour later the phone rang. "He's there, isn't he?" said the very familiar voice on the other end of the line. She figured it out when she found out that he had taken money out of an atm and used his pin number.
And so, when Laurie arrives in the next couple of days, we will be complete.
Half my Christmas was all wrapped up in camoflage on Wednesday afternoon and the remainder will arrive on a big bird which hopefully won't be delayed by weather difficulties. My cup is overflowing because Scott and Vi and Veronica will be here also. The tree will go up on Sunday and the kids will do the decorating. And I will just watch and smile.
And thank our Lord for His tender mercies.
God is good.
May He bless our troops wherever they may be.

Not just another week.

Where does a week go? I can tell you that it sometimes vanishes into thin air. And the days go all too quickly.
But it really has been a blessed week. I am learning that it takes time to practice patience and love. There are wonderful things that need to be noticed and celebrated and savored.
Time with friends and family - one and the same in some cases. This past Sunday, our Pastor who has been serving our church as a licensed Deacon, was ordained at our church. The service was one of the most blessed and joyfilled and beautiful services I have ever attended. And our Pastor is finally a Reverend and so deserves this title. If God ever gave someone a heart to serve, it is our Pastor. He is faith FILLED, faithFUL ( to God and to our congregation and to the mission of spreading the Gospel), and has a love for Jesus that is so contagious. It was just a wonderful day.
My friend Betty and I were blessed to be part of the service - and though I was at first a bit nervous, when the time came to do what Pastor had asked of me, I walked down the aisle in total peace. God does that sometimes if we let Him. To just concentrate on the blessing and joy. Sunday, I let Him and I was richer by far for the experience.
Kasey and I have had our ups and our downs at times, I have definitely needed to raise my voice since he seems to want to push me to the limit, and then says "Ok Grandma" when I have reached that point. Funny little boy. but this perpetual inner happiness this journey is giving me just keeps things rolling along. The end of the day can't come soon enough just to know that I will be picking him up and bringing him home with me.
Yesterday, I promised him he could make snow angels when we got home. And so, as he laid in the snow and waved his arms and legs back and forth in the pure white snow, I decided it was a moment too good to pass up. I dropped everything that I was carrying, turned around, and fell on my back in the snow next to Kasey - snow angels are something you never forget how to make - and the fun of being on my back in the snow with my 3 year old grandson next to me enjoying the same unabandoned experience - well let me tell you that it brings tears to my eyes from the sheer joy of the moment. Life should be that uncomplicated more often, don't you think?
Stephen says they are very busy - I cringe when I hear that but we are so grateful for his phone calls. The one thing I remember about the last deployments was the loneliness I feel after we talk to him. I can almost sense the loneliness he must feel as the delay in our conversation reminds me of the distance we are from this young man we love so much.
I know it will be ok - even though it's sometimes one foot in front of the other, one day, one hour, one moment at a time. I tell Kasey that mommy will be home soon, and that daddy will be so glad to get our Christmas box. Hickory Farms stuff is on order, all the special coffee and snacks just about in the box and ready to go. I need to make some cookies but I think that I will be sending some special ones from the local bakery - their butter cookies are fabulous. Saturday will be a busy day packing and sending.
Dear Lord, thank you for the blessings you have bestowed on our family and on our church this past week. I know that Your will is at work - help me to seek You always - in all ways.
God bless our troops in these coming weeks as they spend this joyful season of peace far from home. And may those who serve - no matter WHERE they serve - find the dearest Friend of all and the Prince of Peace right there beside them.

It's all in how you look at it.

Yesterday morning, Kasey and I didn't have a very good start. He was slow and grouchy, and I was late and stressed. He didn't want to get up, or get dressed, or eat his breakfast. There was new snow on the ground - and on the roads, and it was cold and windy. As I hurried Kasey through our morning routine, I raised my voice a few times. It surprised him - and upset me.
But by the time we were on our way to his preschool, things were better. Still, it set the tone for my day. Last night after I picked up Kasey, we went to the local convenient store for a couple of things: thick crusty bread to go with Ron's homemade sauce and meatballs; chocolate chip ice cream; some cones to put the ice cream in, and some cookies. As we stood at the checkout, Kasey was moving away toward some displays. I used my debit card to pay for the groceries and then Kasey and I left. When we got home, I took Kasey out of his carseat and went to carry the things into the house. I noticed one thing was missing: my purse. Handing every thing to Ron, I said that I would be right back - that I was going to pick up my purse. Thankfully it was still there and as I drove home I realized how blessed I am. And how sweating the small stuff really doesn't pay. And what the most important things truly are.
This morning, Kasey didn't get up well again. But I just kept coaxing him gently and he was awake in a couple of minutes asking me to carry him into the dining room for his breakfast. He was slow, but agreeable; silly, but willing to cooperate. ("ok, grandma, but WHY?") The streets were slippery but we made it to daycare ok and Kasey got to wear his baseball cap instead of the knit hat. Because in his words, it makes him look cool. Can't argue that. I was 10 minutes late getting started to work, traffic was heavy, the roads were slick. But guess who was smiling? Yup! Me! And I was there in plenty of time.
And so, beginning today, the job is important - being on time something that I don't want to compromise. But darn it, Kasey and me - we need to have good mornings. It makes for happier days for us both and for wonderful reunions at the end of each day.
I smile and thank God at the thought of so many days ahead of us. They won't always be great because there will be moments of frustration for us both. But oh the special times that are ours because of the moments we have in the early mornings - it's our time and it's a blessing for me.
I pray it is for Kasey too.
God bless our Troops.

Nice while it lasted.


I had a five day weekend this week - took Wednesday off to do my pies and Thanksgiving preparation, and then our office was closed on Friday. I like five day weekends but they make it twice as hard to face those Monday mornings.
More winter weather is coming in tonight and tomorrow - went out yesterday and bought myself some boots at Payless - the ones I've been wearing are in sad shape and not very warm either. Got my Christmas cards at a brand new store - oh did it ever put me in the Christmas shopping mood. Those songs they play over the pa systems in the stores really set me to humming ~ and I don't know about you, but once I'm humming Christmas songs that's it. Time to get out the plastic. :)
And so, tomorrow morning the clock will ring at 5:20. The bathroom heater will go on, as well as the hot water for my shower. Kasey will be up and at 'em, and a new week will begin. It sure was nice while it lasted. Kasey agrees. It's nice to know that I have something in common with a 3 year old - besides us both loving and missing his mommy and daddy.
God bless your week my friends and may His love and protection be with our troops wherever they serve.

Ice chips and lots of love.

Well, the phrase "just a little bug, honey" was brought forth around here today. Haven't said that to a child in years. But this morning, as Kasey's little tummy decided to reject his morning dinosaur eggs oatmeal, the days of toddlers and their fragile little tummys came back without a doubt. I am not his mommy and when a little kid gets sick, they want their mommy. This morning, he seemed to know that Grandma had some experience with this sort of thing and so he was fine in letting me handle the ice chips and blankies and the "just in case" towels.
This afternoon, as he lies on the couch, and I am breaking the 2 1/2 hour max TV rule (Laurie says it's ok :), he is doing much better. His tummy is better - he lifted his shirt and showed it to me. (I just want to give him one of those toy catalogs that have been coming every other day in the mail - know what I mean?).
And so we have passed our second crisis - the first was a rash from the laundry detergent we were using - free of everything but just not liking Kasey. Grandma went and bought some Dreft - something else we haven't seen around here in awhile.
And he is talking about when he will see his mom on the webcam tonight.
There's a rain/snow mix falling outside - a good day for being inside and on the couch with a warm blankie and lots of attention. This hour's movie is Peter Pan. Yup, I think Kasey knows that Grandma knows how to do this.
Ice chips and lots of love.

An Abundance of Blessings

Happy Thanksgiving my friends. It's a busy morning around here - lots to do, lots to do. But never too busy to pause and wish all my friends a wonderful day. I am praying that no matter what kind of feast graces your table today - Turkey or Ham or something traditional to your family - may you find many blessings to be thankful for.

Kasey is a busy boy this morning - and I am smiling at the blessing of having him here. Scott and Veronica will be here later for dinner. More smiles.

God bless you all, and may He bless our troops wherever they serve.

Love,

Sue

Haircut Day

Last weekend when we were online with Stephen and he saw Kasey on my webcam, he instant messaged and said, "time for a haircut." I laughed and replied, "message received."

And so, after a rather crazy week, today Kasey got his hair cut. What do you think? His mom thinks it looks good - we sent the picture to Stephen too. I expect he will concur it looks good.

We were also supposed to sleep in this morning. At 6:40, I had this paw in my back as Lily stretched out and made herself comfortable. I turned over to try to get comfortable. By 7 am I was sitting at the dining room table writing letters. Beats staring at the ceiling with a paw across my chest. Kasey was up by 7:15 and asked me just a few minutes ago if he can sleep in tomorrow. Yes, Kasey can sleep in. Can Grandma sleep til 7? We'll see.

Have a blessed Sunday.

May God bless our troops.

The Little Red Car - and God's Grace


I used to have a car - one of those cute little compact SUVs that you see all over the place. My car was different though - it had Army and Veteran and Navy stickers on the back of it and a yellow ribbon magnet. It had a two star banner decal in the back window. This is the car that I came to love as it plowed through the harsh winter weather that is Western NY from November until March or April. It took countless road trips to see the kids, last summer taking all of my china and silver to Laurie.
Yesterday, on the way to work, this all changed. We were rear ended by someone who had no clue how to drive in rush hour traffic - and within the period of 5 or 10 seconds, this little car was totaled. But that's where God's grace comes in - Ron and I walked away. We were shaken and sore and took a trip to the hospital, but we are not injured any more than a good case of whiplash.
There are blessings in everything. While minding our own business, stopping when we needed to stop, paying attention to the traffic, etc., etc., someone else was not ~ yet we were blessed - because GOD was watching and protecting. In the aftermath, I can remember sitting there and being so incredibly thankful. Nevermind that this was our only vehicle, that we could not drive it, and that there was metal and glass all over the place. We were alive. The car is sitting in the lot at the collision shop. It's not a pretty sight, and the insurance adjuster found over $11,000 damage in the front end of the car - didn't even get to the back of it with it's rear wheels totally bowed in and bent.
But Kasey and I had our night time ritual without missing a beat last night - bath, ice cream, book, and bedtime. And grandma was in bed within a half hour of Kasey's bedtime.
Back to work tomorrow. God is good.
And His grace - it's an amazing thing, isn't it?
God bless our troops and those of us who wait.

Loose ties.

A year and a half ago I lost a dearly loved cousin - her name was Tina. She was 50 years old and she died of graft vs. host disease - a terrible complication of bone marrow transplants in leukemia patients. She fought a valiant fight, but we lost her. It was Heaven's gain, surely, but the light in the world seems a little less bright without her. At the funeral, my cousin Nancy was one who spoke of who Tina was - and what she meant to her. They shared the same birthday and they were best friends as well as being cousins.
Another light went out in our world on Thursday morning as Nancy also was taken from us. She had a very serious auto accident last April, and although her fight was also valiant and she returned home from the hospital just 2 weeks ago, on Wednesday morning she went into cardiac arrest and was without oxegen far too long. When the doctors were sure, the heroic measures were ceased and Nancy passed away.
Now, although our relationship was always close when we were kids, life was in the way - the ties that bound us together were still there, but not tied quite as tight. When we would get together it would be like we were never apart - could catch up with ease.
Tomorrow afternoon, my sister will fly into town, stay at our house over night and on Sunday we will head to Ohio for the wake and funeral. A chance for Chelle and I to catch up, but it would be so much better if it didn't have to be for Nancy's funeral.
There is a loneliness in me tonight, has been since yesterday. But there is also thanksgiving for the grace by which God saved Nancy. He took her from our world for His kingdom in heaven.
But we have her life to celebrate and we will do that. Together, on Monday, as a family.
Ron and Kasey will be ok here by themselves for 36 hours - grandpa knows the way to Kasey's school - and he knows how to make Dinosaur eggs oatmeal.
Family ties - they often feel nearly UNtied - and yet, at times like this, we know that God has kept them intact.
God bless our troops - may His love be ever with them.

Have you hugged a Veteran today?

Nearly four years ago, when Laurie left military service (for a brief period of time :-), I bought a bumper sticker that said, "Have You Hugged a Veteran Today?" I put one on my car - and one on my desk at work...under the one star banner. It remains today - at work it is displayed now beneath my TWO star banner. At the time, it was my way of honoring Laurie's service, and that of her dad who is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War - US Navy. And it still does honor them. I am so proud of those who have served - and who STILL serve. They, God willing - will one day also be veterans.
This morning I received an email from Ron at work - it was simple. "Happy Veteran's Day, Army Grandma." My reply to him was simple as well - "Happy Veteran's Day NAVY VETERAN, ARMY GRANDPA."
We are free because of these men and women - present and past.
When I watch the miniseries, "Band of Brothers," (it's one of our favorites) I think of what it must have been like to freeze in the forests of Germany in the winter; or in other battle fields, to try to at least make it out of the water and onto the beaches of Normandy and Guam without being killed in action. My Uncle Bill was injured at 17 years old at Pork Chop Hill during the Korean War - he limps, but is proud of his service - in fact worked as a civilian for the Army until he retired some years ago. Thanks Uncle Bill.
These things, and others, are cause for thanksgiving - because by the grace of God and the courage of these men and women, our country is free. And this, after all, is what makes us who we are - America.

Is it time for bed yet?

Ok, I think I have it all figured out. The secret to getting a good night's sleep is to get ready for bed before I put Kasey in bed. Then, if I should happen to drift off while I am telling Kasey his bedtime stories or scratching his back while he tries to keep from closing his eyes, at least I can sleep through the night in Kasey's bed and Ron can wake me up when my alarm goes off in our room. Makes sense to me anyway even if Ron isn't keen about getting out of a warm bed at 5:20 am to climb the stairs to wake me up without waking Kasey up. Yeah, now THAT'S the hard part.
For some reason Kasey couldn't get to sleep tonight, so we finally made the executive decision to let him sleep on the couch in the family room. I think he's lonesome up there in his room all by himself. It worked the first week and part of the second, but the novelty of having his Uncle Scott's room has worn off - now he just wants to be on the same floor as we are. And so, whatever it takes to give him - and us - a good night's sleep, so be it.
He talked to his daddy for 10 minutes this morning and to his mom for at least 5 minutes tonight. Some nights, if Laurie gets 10 seconds of conversation with him she is lucky. So much to do when you are three and you only have an hour before bedtime.
And so, I am finally off to bed - just might get to stay there tonight. Lily will need to sleep on her own bed on the pillow in the corner tonight cause I plan on stretching out. I AM the number one female in the house after all.
Just ask Kasey. :-)
God bless our troops.

And so it goes.

Well, unless you haven't had access to a radio, a tv, or the internet, you know that Barack Obama was elected President yesterday - and so it goes. America, you have stood up and you have spoken. And really, isn't this what we are all about? I am not saying that my vote was for him, but for America, for our troops, for all of us as a united people. I have friends who dearly wanted John McCain to win - I am amongst them. BUT, in our nation's 232 year history, we have always found that freedom wins out over choice...doesn't it? What matters in the end is not Rebublican or Democrat or Liberal or Conservative. It's DEMOCRACY. Freedom.
God bless our new President elect - he will need God's wisdom, and strength, and faith. Just as we all do.
And may He bless our troops as they think about their newly elected commander in chief. May they look to him with confidence - and look to God for His blessings and love.
God bless America - our home sweet home.

Those 4 little words.


I know, I know...I've been awol. But oh what a wonderful time we are having here.
Kasey has been here for a week now and grandma is learning the ropes of having a 3 year old here full time. We have a pretty good schedule going - Kasey and I. Well, at least it SEEMS pretty good until I look at the clock in the morning and realize we are running a little late. I am only getting up 20 minutes earlier than usual - I might make that 25 minutes earlier this week and see if it makes a difference. Last week we did well on Tuesday - his first day of preshool. Grandpa went with us to take pictures and I didn't cry until I got to the car after we dropped him off, hung up his coat, took the pictures. You know...all that good stuff that moms usually have the blessing of doing - I can tell you that Grandmas treasure these things just as much.
Wednesday we were on our own and it went well; Thursday would have been great if I hadn't remembered halfway down the road that we (ok, it was me that did it) left Kasey's backpack sitting by the door - so we came back for it and I figured that I might as well grab my coffee mug sitting next to it. I was still at work in plenty of time.
Friday was Halloween - and someone said to me at work when they saw me with out a costume that they had expected I would be the one person in the office to dress up. All I could say was that at least Kasey's Batman costume made it to daycare - in his backpack, which I actually remembered.
Only a couple of times during the whole week did Ron and I hear those 4 little words -
"I want my mommy. " But this weekend we heard them a few times - including at 5:30 this morning when we were supposed to be sleeping but Kasey and I had some time together instead because he was missing mommy. Morning time, when the house is quiet and dark, is a good time to remember who is really in charge here. Not grandma, or grandpa, but our Father.
Thank you, God for that reassurance. Help me to seek that every minute of the day.
Everything is good until I hear those 4 little words. When I do, and it's usually at night, I just do scratchies on Kasey's back and tell him a story and remind him that his mommy is thinking of him that very minute.
Laurie calls every single day - and Stephen has called twice already as well. When he called this afternoon, Stephen said his R and R is scheduled - though not for awhile - but he will fly here and then take Kasey to where Laurie is so the three of them can spend the time together.
It's funny - Stephen and Laurie keep thanking us. And Ron and I just give thanks for the blessing of having this wonderful little boy here.
I know that the weeks and months will fly by for Ron and I. But may each day that Laurie, Stephen and Kasey are apart bring them closer in heart - God strengthen my soldiers and their little boy - and give them your peace.
May this be so for ALL military families who are apart.

AND SO WE BEGIN.

This picture speaks for itself.

Blessings,

Kasey's grandma.

These are the days which the Lord hath made.

I have this friend - her name is Nancy and, although we live hundreds of miles from each other, we are as close as sisters. This is because we are not only good and close friends, but also sisters in the faith. I first "met" her on our military moms website nearly 7 years ago...I took notice of her posts and of her Christian faith and trust. For a week or so, I followed her posts about the fact that her son Josh was returning to the States after serving in Germany. As the day of his arrival home got closer, her posts were, well, softer. Thoughts I think I would have been feeling in her place. I could only imagine the excitement of having a child return from so far away. On the morning he was coming home, Nancy posted. She said that she woke up that morning, sat up in bed and - planting her feet on the floor beneath her - she proclaimed, "This is the day which the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!" I knew right then and there that somehow, God would find a way to keep us connected and that we would become good friends (and sisters in the faith). And He did - and we are connected by His grace.

As I planted MY feet on the floor this morning, I realized this would be a weekend of many emotions. A meeting at church tomorrow until noon, shopping for Kasey's favorites - Quaker oatmeal with dinosaur eggs, juice (cranberry or orange), and LOTS of milk (and ice cream). Maybe a couple of special "kid" bowls for him to use for that oatmeal and ice cream.

Then home to finish up his room, and do a few finishing touches - make some cookies for Stephen, do some laundry, touch up the bathrooms, and clean the refrigerator. Ok, so it's gonna be a little busier than I thought. :-)

I got the last two boxes that Laurie packed for Kasey - they arrived today. Those two will be unpacked with Kasey's help since they hold some important things. Let me just say Buzz Lightyear has arrived. I am going to get some helium balloons on the day Kasey arrives - will tape them to these last two boxes and put them in his room. At the end of the day we will send the balloons skyward - to mommy and daddy. In the little boy's heart that beats within him (and maybe even in mine) he will wonder whether mommy or daddy gets their balloons first.

Ron called - they have arrived in the city of Laurie's new duty station. They are about to go out for dinner. Kasey is wound up like a top, the dog is trying to figure out what the heck is going on - but as long as she can rest her chin on Ron's knee she is fine. She will sleep with Ron again tonight as she has all week -all 80 lbs of her. Makes me smile. She will be good company for Laurie.

And so, these are the days the Lord has made - I will rejoice and be glad in them. I have come to realize that as much as I know Laurie's heart is hurting, I haven't given her enough credit. I did a post not too long ago about the magnets on my desk at work - and that one of them says "Army Strong." Another says "Happiness," the other "Faith." Well, I keep remembering the Army Strong one - that one suits her to a tee. But also, so does the Faith magnet. And that so many times God seems to be testing that faith. That may be true, but I heard some words tonight which REALLY made me sit up and take notice. For He is not only testing us, but SHOWING us our faith. I guess He is showing me the faith of my daughter.

Yes, and in these days - and in all things - we shall rejoice.

God bless our troops - every single one - no matter where they serve.

Understanding Supervisors.


Today was a long day. The alarm clock rang and I thought, "NO! IT'S TOO DARK!" I heard the rain falling outside and it was beating against the window. Something tells me that you all know this drill. :-).

The day was a normal one -just long..made longer by the fact that Laurie was waiting for her re-enlistment paperwork because she is supposed to be swearing in tomorrow - out of the Reserves and back to the good old regular Army.

At four o'clock Ron emailed me that the paperwork came through and she was on her way. She will stay nearby the Meps office tonight and tomorrow morning say "I do" again to Uncle Sam. Seven years this time. I guess I must have been worried about all the paperwork getting there on time...or maybe just overwhelmed by the thought that it's really here. The time has come. Thank God my supervisor Pam's office is directly across from my desk. I was away from my desk and into her office in a shot because I knew she was in the back of the office talking to some of the other staff. So I knew I had a minute or two to try to compose myself and dry the tears that always seem to be so close to the surface these days.
I closed the door a little bit and just after I did that, Pam came into her office and knew immediately that I was crying - my back was to the door and she could tell by my posture. She asked me what was wrong...I think she was scared that it was Stephen. I quickly said "everything is ok...just a little overwhelmed right now."
And so she sat me down and I just kind of explained what it means to me that Laurie is swearing in tomorrow - another 7 years. And she listened and asked all the right questions - and shared the fact that she sure understands that it would be overwhelming for any mom.
So when I start this post out with a title 'Understanding Supervisors,' I don't mean trying to figure them out - but rather giving praise to God for someone who lets me be me - who realizes that although I put on a good front 98% of the time, and do my job every day, there's this corner of my heart that just has to give way once in awhile. The mom part - ya know?
And so I pray tonight, Lord thank you for your visit to the office today as Pam and I sat and talked. Thank you for her compassion and friendship and that she was there at that place and time when I needed a friend who cared.
And Lord, please bless Laurie - sbe might be strong and determined and a good and willing soldier, but always - ALWAYS - she is still my little girl. When I started this blog 2 and a half years ago, it was because she had re-joined the military - ha! The Reserves! But I knew it was just the beginning - she was breaking us in for what she really wanted to do. She found her niche and I guess so have Ron and I - as military parents. Thanks for listening - and for your prayers. Our troops - they all need those prayers, as do all of us who love them.
God's blessings to you all.

A Different World


It's 6:10 am, and I sit here in the office heating up my breakfast sandwich. McDonald's isn't open at 5:30 in the morning - at least not around here they aren't. But I did find a gas station that sells frozen breakfast sandwiches - the man was just making the coffee so I will have to settle for the coffee I make here every morning. I hope it tastes extra good this morning.
I got Ron to the airport for a very early flight and rather than drive all the way home, I came to the office. I'm only 2 hours early. :-) Good time to get rid of some extra "debris" on my desk.
My whole world looks so much different at this hour of the morning. The campus is asleep - a few maintenance trucks, here and there a student getting in their early morning run, but for the most part, it is dark and quiet , the parking lot casting unfamiliar shadows, (makes one pick up their step just a little), and I even needed my security swipe card to get into the outside door.
And, in just a little over a week, a whole different part of our world will change for indeed, the early morning flight that Ron is on this morning will take him to Laurie and Kasey. It will be a busy week for them - Ron helping Laurie get things packed up, Kasey's little 3 year old hands helping in every way possible. And Laurie - she will be leaving the active Reserves and going back in to the Active full time Army. They've got her for good now I think - at least for 7 more years. And then probably 3 years after that.
Never have I been more proud to be a mom - a Two Star Mom.
God bless our troops and those of us who wait for them...and support them in all that they do.
Blessings my friends.

A little bit of everything.


We had a good weekend - the garage sale was pretty successful, I got a long letter out to Stephen, had several things going on at church this morning and managed to be where I was supposed to be WHEN I was supposed to be: Church Council meeting; sang in the choir; Sunday School - not many kids today so the classes combined and sat out in the sunshine playing Bible trivia. Teachers against the kids - teachers won by one point...whew! That was close!
Home to a quick lunch and then we closed up the garage sale and went to an RV show. Gorgeous day in Western NY. We went to one of our favorite restarants for a quick supper and then stopped for ice cream on the way home...figured it was better for us than pie from the restaurant. Ok, whatever. :-) But it sure tasted good.
Fall is in full radiant color here in Western NY - the crisp fall air filling our nostrils with one of my favorite smells. Two years ago we had the October Surprise storm - an ice and snow storm that left us without power for days and some for weeks. The old trees that lined Delaware Avenue in Buffalo were asked to carry the burden of ice and snow and leaves, and couldn't. The arch that motorists once drove under now is missing in many areas. Many of them were lost, and are still not all completely cleaned up in the park and the cemetary in the surrounding neighborhood.
We've heard that this will be a rough winter here. Kasey will have plenty of snow to play in - now he just has to find the person who is going to go down the hill on the sled with him. Something tells me it's going to be me...grandpa doesn't do that anymore. Then Grandpa is going to have to pay for my new boots. We also need to buy Kasey some snow pants and a warm jacket. He has a nice warm scarf I knitted for him a couple of years ago that I hope Laurie has sent. Otherwise, I'll just have to knit him another. We'll go shopping together for the yarn so he can pick out the color. And then he can watch it take shape as I knit it.
And so, tomorrow Ron will pack away the things that have been in the garage most of the summer for our various garage sales - making room for the car. The next (and, praying, the last) garage sale will be in the spring.
Laurie and Stephen and Kasey spoke to each other and saw each other over the weekend on their computers. THIS news made my whole weekend. I need to look into this sound thing for our computers so Kasey and Stephen and Laurie can see each other online while Kasey is here.
Another week begins tomorrow - they all seem to be going so quickly. But I am ready for it - as ready as can be.
Hope it's a blessed week for all of you.
God bless our troops!

Stiff Upper Lip.


Well, as I might have told you in my last post, the boxes have been arriving with Kasey's things in them. And although I didn't mention it here, but mentioned on my military moms website, it's a bit overwhelming trying to imagine Laurie boxing all Kasey's things up to send to us. BUT, at least she knows that Kasey will be with grandma and grandpa who love him, and that she will be able to talk to him every single day - and probably see him for Christmas.
And so, with that said, I've decided to try a new approach: STIFF UPPER LIP, SUSAN!
We are blessed. Laurie has been accepted into this awesome program and once she starts her studies she won't really have a whole lot of free time, but she will be in the states, will hopefully be able to be here for Christmas; there will be pictures of Kasey waiting in nearly every email we send her, and she can call us whenever she is able. And, God willing, once we sell our home, we will be taking Kasey to live in the same city she's going to be stationed. There will be hard times AND good times - some tears and some laughter, and oh my goodness - only God knows what else. Trips to the zoo, or to the aquarium...to the grocery store and of course to the toy store.
Tonight when I talked to Kasey on the phone, he told me he is coming to visit me, "but not yet, grandma." No, not yet Kasey....but soon.
With all there is to do...I'd better get my new philosophy in motion. Wish me luck, ok? And a few prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Stephen is doing well, is settled in and my first package to him is in the making. I sent him a letter today with a picture of Laurie when she was about 12 (or a little younger) and she was dressed in some sort of get up for a game she was playing. Then there was the picture of Kasey I sent which was taken this past summer while we were all together on vacation. The last time he was deployed, I sent him a picture of Laurie when she was about 3 - sitting in my rocking chair with her bib overalls on - jeans on the bottom of them and the white bib which had pink rosebuds in it. So this time, since they are five years older, I thought a more "mature" picture of a 10 or 12 year old Laurie would be appropriate. :-) I hope they make Stephen smile.
Until next time...God bless our troops and those who wait.

Another Story of Camelot.

Back home again, my friends. It was such a wonderful weekend - seeing family and friends from across the country. We had a good (albeit long) trip to GA on Thursday, it was only a 15 hour drive. :-)But the wedding and other events - just being one of the bride's aunts and being able to participate in the preparations was such a blessing. And my older sister Pat and I hadn't seen each other in way too long, so we had a blessed time catching up.

We stayed in wonderful lodge type accomodations and Ron and I were in the same cabin as Pat and Allan. It made for great conversations and just bonding again after so long. Not that we were out of touch, just haven't seen each other. We didn't get much sleep though. :-) Also, our cabin had the hospitality bar on Friday night after the rehearsal dinner. The last guests left well into the night...ummm...early morning.

The wedding itself was something like a tale out of Camelot. Our niece, glowing and beautiful on the arm of her stepdad, (that's another Camelot story in itself), our new nephew so overcome with happiness that he was wiping away the tears as the vows stuck in his throat from the wonder of the day and of that moment, and the meaning behind the words he was finally speaking. We of course were all crying like babies ourselves...including the Deacon who married them. But it was wonderful.

Home again, after our 15 hour road trip yesterday, we are recovering today.

I titled this post "Another story of Camelot" for good reason. Laurie and Stephen's courtship and marriage have been like a fairy tale. Even with the military throwing in some "curveballs" here and there, they have been blessed. It's something a mom can think about and smile.

And this week will be one of preparation for Kasey. Some boxes have arrived for him and I will unpack them - they are his linens and clothes so I will have everything ready when Ron brings him back with him from his trip to help Laurie move in less than three weeks. So much to look forward to - and so many prayers to say.
Stephen is safely to his base in the sand - he called Laurie yesterday. So the writing and the package stuffing begins. It will give Kasey and I stuff to do together.Well, plenty to do here so I'd best be getting to it. It's good to be back. I loved visiting Camelot, but the real world awaits. Blessings my friends and God bless our troops.

Chores and Road Trips,

It's been a busy weekend here. Chores and errands on Saturday, church, Sunday School, and hair appointment today. Laurie and Kasey had their last road trip for awhile as they left the post where Laurie was for her TDY and is back where her home post is. She will work there a couple of weeks before leaving to go to where her new assignment will be. Ron will go out before she moves to help with the move and then to bring Kasey back. A lot of things ahead for our family. Finally have an address for Stephen and can start writing - lucky him. I am one of those letter writers who adds happy faces and all that to my letters. Not inappropriately of course, but I do enjoy happy faces. :)
Later on in the week, Ron and I will drop Lily off at Scott's and be on our way for our own road trip to GA for our niece's wedding. I am looking forward to that like nobody's business.
Ron and I were sitting in the family room earlier watching the Buffalo Bills beat St. Louis, and I looked around at the currently neat room - most everything cleaned, well, except my desk - and I realized how empty it is without the Binker's toys here. So I said to Ron that Kasey can put his toys in the family room, in the living room...anywhere he wants them to be. Of course once we put the house on the market, we will have to have a few rules but hey, I'm flexible.
I also want to call Stephen's mom this week - it's good to keep in touch. Once one week goes by, pretty soon it's two, and so on.
So, my friends, have a great week. Be safe and be blessed. I'll miss you but will be back next week.
God bless our troops and those who love them.
Sue

Getting ready.

It was a great week - lots to do at work, at church, and at home. Laurie and Kasey traveled a lot this week, finding Laurie's apartment for her new duty station, and going back to their home at her TDY station to gather up their belongings and prepare for Kasey's move here. It will be a busy month or two...Ron and I have a wedding to go to in Georgia for our niece, and the following week, Ron will be helping Laurie move and bringing Kasey to grandma and grandpa's house. I am good with this - I welcome everything that is planned, but I have one thought that is hard to get past and that is when Laurie needs to send Kasey with Grandpa. I am trying to be strong about all that since Laurie will need me to be - it's just the thought that her heart, and Kasey's, will be hurting...therefore mine. And, that Stephen will be wondering how it is all going.
BUT, there is much to do. We have to get this house up for sale so no time to think about things that only God's love can heal. And so, today, I went down to the basement to empty some boxes and consolidate some things - get them ready for their big adventure in our RV - whenever that may be. If you could see the boxes of pictures we have - they are waiting for scrapbooks and albums, for sending to others perhaps, and for keeping. SO they are all going in one of those big rubber tubs with a cover on it. At least I hope I only need one of those tubs. As I transferred the pictures from the boxes to the rubber tote, I tried not to look at too many of them - because we all know what happens then...well, you have a pretty good idea of how I am. In one word: sentimental...and so you know what THAT means when I look at pictures - you get the "picture" (sorry for the play on words there). But oh good grief, I can only hold out for so long before I stop and look at a few. And then a few more, until before you know it, I am sitting on the basement stairs looking and smiling and sighing. (OK - I ADMIT IT - crying too). I emptied 4 boxes and called it quits. It took me two hours - would have only taken half an hour had I not stopped along the way. But I got ideas for scrapbooks for Kasey and I to make during the winter, found some pictures of Laurie and of our family that I can send to Stephen.
And so, we are getting ready to roll. Slowly - but surely - the walls in the basement are nice and clean, the floor is being prepared for painting, and all those things that we've been holding onto for years are being sorted through, remembered, and perhaps discarded. But there's nothing wrong in the memories - just makes you want to make more...know what I mean?
Yeah, it's going to be a challenging year but we are up to the challenge....and then some.
About Stephen, Laurie has heard from him a couple of times - and Kasey has been able to talk to his daddy too. I smile when I type that - it's a really good thing, don't you think?
And by God's grace, my heart is still at peace. Guess He's getting me ready too - it's not all about pictures. It's about faith, about prayer, and, I think, about being a grandma.
Yup - still smiling here.
God bless ALL our troops and those who love them.

Inspirations.


Did you ever stop to think about all the people who inspire us? How do they inspire us? I can tell you from (just a few years of) personal observation....people who inspire me are usually those who have been dropped off in a valley, with long roads ahead of them, and very rough terrain beneath their feet. Sometimes they have shoes, and at other times they travel in bare feet.
They face cancer, perhaps. Or the illness of a loved one AND their own illness. Or the death of a loved one. And yet, their faith tells it all. Their faith - it makes their faces radiant and their hearts humble; they have the best sense of humor...and the greatest appreciation for life.
They didn't ASK to be an inspiration...who wants to go through hardship; or to be an example of how to walk in a valley? The answer is simple. No one. But that's where the grace comes in. It's the grace - the humility - that sets them apart. Because they don't talk about it unless they are asked; they don't dwell on it, but instead enjoy every moment of life they have. They may have close friends to lean on, but nearly all of them know their closest Friend is always with them. And always, when we are trying to show Christian love to them, WE see Jesus in THEM. I know a few people like this...and they don't even know that I am in awe of their faith...their steadfast trust that God will answer our prayers for them in a way only He ordains, and that they will accept His anwers whatever they might be.
We pray for God to be ever close to them.
No, we really don't want to be a source of inspiration because it usually means we are going through difficulties.
But thank you Lord that you give us the eyes to see you in these people and the hope that we can be more like them in our everyday lives.
I am in awe of young military families...I know several young women who read this blog who inspire me because they are at home with the kids, filling two roles and have a job description pages and pages long; and with situations that would be so much easier to deal with if they had their spouses home instead of in the sand. I have a child who is one of those young women - getting ready to start her own long journey without Kasey who will be here and Stephen who is "over there." Oh, I know, there are young men who are doing this as well as their wives serve far away.
When it comes right down to it, you all inspire me for one reason or another, and although I have never met many of you, I give thanks for you. May God help me to practice His grace more diligently and to spread His peace.
Blessings my friends and may God bless our troops and those who love them.

Assembly line cooking.

Tonight when I got home from work, I did what I usually do...called out: "NANA'S HOME!!"
Ron greeted me, and Lily, but not Binker. This is the first weekend in a year - except when we've been visiting Laurie and Stephen and Kasey - that Veronica hasn't been here with us. She's at her dad's new apartment this weekend and that's where she will go nearly every weekend. And so, we are back to visiting her and Scott on Saturday afternoons. It's ok - I'm glad Scott was able to get his apartment - but nobody came running and smiling when I got home today. Sigh.
And so, tonight I got busy and did some cooking after dinner.
A few weeks ago, a lady at church called me and said that our mutual friend had broken her femur and was very restricted in what she can do. So she said that we were going to bring meals over to her -could I do them this weekend? She asked for 3 meals for our friend.
So what's on the menu? I made a big pan of swiss steak, there will be rice, a small green bean casserole (ummm, can you have that if it's not a holiday?)...and cornbread. There are duplicates for Ron and I. Then I thought it would be good to make one final tuna pasta salad - summer is almost gone and I hate to see it go without another pasta salad. So, there are three bowls of tuna pasta salad in the fridge: one for my friend from church, one for us, and one for our friend next door whose wife is in FL taking care of her parents. Ok, now you HAVE to have dessert - right?
So I made my specialty - homemade lemon chiffon pie. Three of them. One for my friend Marion, one for us, and one to split between Scott and our neighbor. Just before I deliver it I will put the final touches on it - mounds of fresh whipped cream around the edge of the pie.
Yeah - it was good I was busy tonight. I am trying to unwind a bit before bed, but since I am working at the garage sale at church tomorrow, I guess I should get some sleep. And my feet are killing me.
Praying that your weekend is blessed. Mine already is cause you are here and reading this.
Sue

Remembering.

May we never forget those who were lost that day. Those who lost someone - or maybe two somebodies; and those who have been lost since then - in the wars, or from the ash and rubble breathed in by so many in the cleanup in the days, weeks, months...years..after the attacks. Or those who were lost due to broken hearts - never recovering from their loss.

Remembering those who guard and defend our nation...locally, nationally, and across the world.

Police and firemen, our service men and women.

Your loved ones and mine, and the strangers we've never met, but to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.

God Bless America - my home sweet home.

Time to adjust things.

Well, now that Stephen is overseas, I have come to an executive decision: Don't go to Army Times website. I LOVE their website, but not right now. Feeling a bit vulnerable these days and so, I will be selective about where I visit. MAYBE Fox News (after all, they are fair and balanced and we do have an election going on :).
www.militarymoms.net without a doubt will stay at the top of my favorites - you should visit there sometime - awesome group of people there you need to meet. And of course all my favorite blogs will stay - that would be all of yours and more as I find them. (blogs are good).
Ron and I are now finding more and more blogs written by people who are full time RVers. In other words, they are already living our dream.
I digress....
Anyway, after a rough weekend, I am back up and on my feet again. The extra little thing that got tossed into our weekend is that Scott found an apartment. Now this is a GOOD thing, but it also means that I need to go through Scott and Veronica withdrawal. Oh, we will see them often, but I was really getting used to the schedule, and to having our weekends revolve around having the Binker. This too shall pass.
Laurie and Kasey seem pretty good - Kasey is trying to figure it all out ("Did Daddy get all the bad guys yet, mommy?").
Yesterday in church, our wonderful Pastor said a prayer for Stephen - and for all of our family, plus all of the military and their loved ones, he also said to the congregation: "try to understand - but you never will - what it's like to have a loved one serving in harm's way." I said to him after the service, "I praise God for you Pastor Garry." And I do; because he knows this mom's heart is trying to summon all the faith she has - and yet I am human.
But God is faithful. He doesn't need to hear my prayers to hear or to understand my heart.

Pretty awesome, huh?

God bless our troops and those who wait.
PROUD Two Star Mom

The Little Engine That Could.

The roller coaster has pulled into the station - my left foot is in it...the right dragging just a bit to slow things down. But it can't be done. It's time to climb in - head, feet, and everything in between - including my heart. And oh, that first hill - it looks so darned steep.

But we're pulling away from the loading platform. And another roller coaster ride is beginning.

Some of Kasey's favorite books and movies are about Thomas the Train and Friends. Years ago, I remember reading to the kids about The Little Engine That Could - it was one of those Golden Books that I read first to Scott; and a few years later to Laurie.

"I think I can...I think I can..."

And so, as Stephen deploys, I will remember that book from so long ago. My yellow ribbon pin with the Army Star charm is ready - it will be worn every single day for a year until he comes home. The pain in my heart is not so much worry or fear, but rather the thought of our kids parting for a year. Yes. I know. People are doing it every single day - have done so since time began.

But, more than this afore mentioned little book, I will keep God's Word...

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

And so, with God's help and with prayers for my children from so many of my friends, and from this mom's heart, I can say..."I know we can , I know we can," until, finally, the day we can say..."WE DID!"

Dear Lord, please bless all of our troops. Every single one.

Thanks for stopping by my friends.

Two Star Mom

What's in a number?

64 - it's a good number, don't you think? I think so...Ron's not so sure. Today is his 64th birthday. He didn't ask for much - an apple pie. One of my specialties - tastes pretty good too!

(I had to make sure it was a good present).

I always want to ask someone who thinks they are old at 40, or 50, or 60 - (or beyond):

"Why does it bother you? It's only a number." Of course I don't ask, because I remember turning 60 myself about 18 months ago. 60 can be a little intimidating, if you let it.

For nearly 40 of his 64 years, Ron has been one of those awesome husbands that on many days I feel I don't deserve. But God gave him to me anyway.

A blessing which still makes me shake my head in amazement. Every single day.

Happy Birthday, honey.

I love you - but only God knows how much.

Labor Day....for some.

Before I began to write today's post, I thought a little background would be good so did a little online research on "Labor Day." This is what I found:

Labor Day:
Labor Day is the celebration of the value and dignity of work, and its role in the American way of life.

The value and dignity of work. Miner, steel worker, office worker, cashier at the local grocery store, server at your nearest McDonald's, stay at home mom - or dad, or our Pastors. It matters not where we labor, it's that we do. That we think it's important to get up at 6 am (or earlier for some of us), to drive the commute, or take the commuter train or bus, or to wake the breadwinner and make sure that they have a good breakfast - maybe even if it's just a good cup of coffee - and a brown bag lunch to tuck into their briefcase - it's important that our work ethic is out there. Are we influencing others just starting out? It's consistency, getting past the rough spots, smoothing those edges out with our desire to make things better, trying to set an example. Or spreading the Good News that others may know WHO we can thank for all our blessings.
To all of you out there - no matter what it is that you labor at - THANK YOU! You help keep the world turning for all of us.
Of course we cannot celebrate Labor Day without remembering those who serve 24/7. Firemen and women, our Police forces, our political leaders. Our MILITARY. 24/7 without a thought of why there is Labor Day. To most of these people who serve - including the firemen and police and politicians - local, state, and national, and the military - today is another day to serve and protect so that we can have our picnics, our days off, our Monday afternoon scenic drives with our family.
God bless us all - that no matter what we do, may we somehow leave something good for others.

Enjoy your day my friends - you have worked hard for it.

Some things DO change.

We had a nice time yesterday at our house - a nice celebration! It was Scott's 33rd birthday - and it was cause for celebration. Last year at this time, he was in Washington state - I didn't know what to do that day. We spoke to him on the phone - had sent him a package which in itself was a small miracle since he had just moved out there less than 2 weeks prior and I really had to scramble to get it there - no way would I not have my oldest child thinking I didn't remember his birthday. We are kind of resigned to not being able to celebrate in the same room together when Laurie and Stephen have birthdays, (not that we ever have gotten used to it) but Scott is different. He has always just enjoyed birthdays at the house.
But last night, he was right there at the dinner table. We had a nice roast beef dinner, pineapple upside down cake that I had made Sunday night cause it's his favorite and I wasn't gonna buy it for him when I could just as easily make it the night before. And of course Ambrosia - it was a toss up between homemade applesauce and ambrosia...but I got all the fruit ready Sunday night and then just whipped the cream and folded the fruit in when I got home from work. It was a good dinner and his new "friend" was there for dinner too. Even Ron told her how nice it was to have her there for the celebration. And of course Binker was there to help blow out the candles.
So - what has changed? Well, I had asked Scott what he wanted for his birthday and he didn't know. HUH? Who was this man and what did he do with my son? No Play Station games? Does he have all the Metallica CDs?
No, this young man wanted things that he could use for when he gets an apartment - PRACTICAL things? Towels, potholders, dish towels. Oh maybe a teeshirt but mostly stuff for the apartment. And so, some things DO change.
The other thing that has changed is his attitude. When we were talking the other day, I said how different - and how much nicer - this birthday would be over last year. And he said, "you know, I have everything I need now. Starting with Veronica."
Thank you God.
Happy Birthday Scottie - Dad and I love you very much.

Blessings my friends. Thanks for stopping by.

It's almost that time.

This weekend I will go to the craft store and pay a visit to the ribbon department. We all know what color it will be, don't we?

Man oh man....it seemed like forever when the kids told us the deployment date months ago - and then of course it changed a few times (because the Army can do that), but now it's a for sure, so we are hunkering down for the long haul. It won't be long before Kasey arrives also, and I will save some of that yellow ribbon for him to tie around one of the front yard trees for his daddy. And we will wait together.

Last night, when I went to a local gift and party supply store to buy a couple of things for a party we had at work today, I saw some magnets at a counter near the register (Ron calls those conveniently placed displays "impulse alley"). I picked out two. One is pink and it says Happiness. The other is blue and it says FAITH. I took them to work today and I think placed them in good spots: the happiness one is above the "Army Strong" magnet; the FAITH one is next to my two star banner. That seems like a good place to keep that one. Next to my soldiers.

I had a weak moment the other day. As I was leaving work, I decided to stop in the rest room - my commute is a long one. I looked in the mirror as I washed my hands, and the circles under my eyes gave me away. Not always sleeping well these days, and all of a sudden I teared up and nearly started crying. Thankfully, no one came into the ladies room before I got out of there. Close call, eh?

Talked to Stephen's mom tonight - we are waaay too far away from each other in miles but we know that the phone bills in the next year will be a little bigger as we support each other. I am grateful we have each other - she loves Laurie so much, and she knows that we love Stephen more than words can say. They are soul mates -we both see that in our children.

And so, in the not too distant future, "that" post will greet you when you stop by. You know the one I mean, don't ya?

Meanwhile, I'm just gonna keep looking at my magnets.

Army Strong, Happiness, Faith, and my Two Star Banner.

Yeah, this is a good start, don't ya think?

God bless our troops.

An anniversary - of sorts. And I still believe.

One year ago last night, a very sad mom and dad took their son to the bus station and put him on a bus which would take him cross country and away from us all. He was in a marriage that was not working and wanted to get as far away as possible - which he accomplished.

Of course that mom and dad were Ron and I, and the son was Scott. I'll never forget the sight and the feeling in our hearts as we watched the bus pull away into the night. I only cried after it pulled away and was out of sight. It was nearly midnight and it was a quiet ride that Ron and I made home from Buffalo. I fell asleep pretty quickly after saying my prayers, but during the night I awoke several times, thinking, "I wonder where he is now."

And you no doubt have all had those mornings when you awake and think - just for an instant - "what is this weight on my heart?" and yet before you even open your eyes, you remember.

I've had several of those mornings - being a military mom and all - and the morning after Scott left was indeed one of them. But I got up and showered and dressed and put my makeup on (really needed the makeup that day), and went to work. Both of my supervisors said that they had been thinking of me the night before and I said that it had gone as well as it could have....and started the work that was on my desk. At lunchtime, my phone rang, and the number on the caller id was Scott's cell phone. He was fine, enjoying the trip, tired of sitting though. But I let that phone call set the pace for my feelings. After that I missed him, but somehow knew he would be ok.

Less than 3 weeks later, he would be on an airplane headed home...and has been here ever since.

And so, last night - unlike a year ago - my sleep was peaceful and uninterrupted. And this morning, as he sleeps upstairs, and the Binker watches Nogin, I am grateful for the year that has passed. He is looking for an apartment and will move out shortly.

As we look ahead we know that, for our family, there will be other nights - and mornings - like those we experienced a year ago.

A long time ago, when the kids were little and we were going through some tough times, Ron gave me a plaque with the serenity prayer on it. And I still believe that God is granting us all that we need - for every single day, but especially during those times when we are sending our son on his way to the other side of the country, or when a daughter leaves for basic training. or when our loved ones are off to war. I still believe in His goodness, and grace, and perfect will.

May He be ever close to you not just during those long nights and difficult mornings - but every single day.

God bless our troops.

We're out here!

Today at work I found out about a young girl who works in the office across the hallway - she's new to our organization, joining us this past spring. And until today, I did not know that she is a military sister...her brother is in the Army serving in Iraq - having gone there only 10 days after completing his AIT 5 months ago. Yesterday, his convoy was hit. His Staff SGT told him to sit in a humvee with two other men instead of where he usually sits. Moments later, their vehicle was hit. The SSGT was killed. The men on either side of her brother were both injured - not life threatening, but injured. And her brother was spared - not injured physically. But she said that, emotionally he is in very fragile condition. She was able to talk to him and her mom was able to talk to him as well - but he is very very upset.
So I told her that I am just across the hall if she needs to talk. After I talked to her and went back to my desk, it really hit me that soon Stephen will be over there. Please God, let me be strong at work especially and also when Kasey comes to live with us.
When I came home and told Ron about what happened at work, he said that it's so hard to know who is out there who is in the same boat. And when we find out about military families we need to make sure they know we are out here for them.
I've been gone for awhile - sorry about that. I was away this past weekend at a reunion of my dear friends who are - or were - military moms. We had a wonderful long weekend - tears when we hugged at the airport on Thursday and tears when we hugged good bye on Saturday night and Sunday. And in between times, much fun and laughter and tears.
Yup, we're out here alright. We just need to find each other so that we can help one another.
Thanks for being there...ummm, here.
God bless our troops - and those who love them.

She shoots...She SCORES!!

I love hockey - Buffalo Sabres hockey in particular - but I love it when our announcer, Rick Jeneret shouts (as only he can): "He shoots, he SCOOOORES."
It's my turn to say that...about Laurie. She got the unofficial (but for sure) word on Monday that the program she's worked so hard to be accepted into, well, accepted her. It will be posted soon but they have to shake things out, decide who goes when and details like that before they can officially notify her. She called me at work and told me and I, like the mother that I am, sat there and bawled like a baby. I am one for happy tears - I feel things like that very deeply - not because of pride so much (but you KNOW I am fiercely proud of all my children's accomplishments), but out of happiness to see my child get what she worked so long and hard to achieve. It was a long shot because so many are interested in the program and they accept so few. Because I am not only fiercely proud, but extremely careful in what I post about my soldiers, (it is, after all, the cyber world and anyone can read this) I am not going to say what it is that she will be training for. Soon enough I will spill it :).
When Laurie was promoted to SGT. , we were at the ceremony and I pinned her stripes on - they use sticky tape for those ceremonies - I was so nervous because the Colonel was there and I put it on upside down...comic relief in an otherwise very emotional moment. Poor Laurie - I started crying as soon as the NCOs came into the room with all the brass. She had her class A's on and LOOKED like a SGT...and like our daughter. Her eyes always smiling even when she is supposed to be dignified. She just can't lose the smile in her eyes. (I love that about her). THIS was our preemie baby girl?
Later, at dinner, we gave her our gift. I wanted to give her something that would commemorate the occasion without question...so that years later she could look at it and remember when we gave it to her. And so, I bought her a silver trinket box for her special jewelry - heart shaped and of course I had it engraved...it said simply:
To Laurie: An Army of One, with the date.
Like anything connected with the military, this won't be all fun and games. It will take all the strength we all have and a lot of special care of Kasey since he will be living with us for awhile while Laurie does her training. But God gave Laurie this opportunity and I am sure it will work. Once we sell the house and buy our RV, we'll travel to where Laurie will be and then Kasey can see her once or twice a week and realize that mommy is close by.
And so, my army of one just keeps the roller coaster going. Up and down, down and up...funny how you get used to something, isn't it?
Dear Laurie - you GO GIRL! We love you.
Thanks for letting me make tonight's post about Laurie...but somehow, I know you share our joy.
God bless our troops...and those of us who love them.

NOW we're getting someplace! (and drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweed).

Well, it's been a good day. Slept in a little bit, but not too late. Got up and made coffee and caught up on my emails a bit. Then the day began. Of course The Binker is here this weekend so that means my to do list is not always done in the order of importance because there's always...
"can I have some juice, Nana? I want berry juice please." Or "Is it lunch time Nana? I want baloney and pickles and some grapes and oranges..." (mandarin oranges - she loves them and Ron puts a black V on the top of the can with a Sharpie so she thinks they are made just for her).
So, today being my friend's birthday, I needed to make her cake. This is my friend who lives next door...we've been making birthday treats for each other for 28 years...since the first year we moved in....I took her over some cuppies that year (a family phrase for cupcakes from way back) and we've been exchanging ever since. Not always a cake...last year I made her my specialty..lemon chiffon pie with fresh whipped cream on top. This year it was my grandma's recipe: Bridge Surprise Cake...it's a wonderful recipe my grandma made up for the ladies in her bridge club on Thursday afternoons. It's a family recipe, about 80 years old...sorry, can't share. Teehee.
Anyway, I made a potato salad this morning too - we haven't had one all summer so I thought it would be good for the weekend since Ron is grilling out tonight and tomorrow. Once that went into the fridge, I went down in the basement to see where to start. We are doing the basement first and then "working up" through the rest of the house. I got lots into the garbage today - showed no mercy, so to speak....got rid of alot. Tomorrow will be the tough part...going through all the stuff I have saved over the years...and trying to see if it's all "necessary." Men think differently and so Ron isn't sure that I "need" to keep all these things. We'll see tomorrow. But we ARE getting someplace with the "stuff."
What's with the tumbleweed you may ask? Well, one year when we were on our way home from visiting the kids, Ron decided he needed to pick up some of that tumbleweed that you see drifting along the highway in the plains states. A cowboy movie fan from way back, he had to have some of it. And so, it's gone back and forth from our tool shed in the back of the garage, to the basement train room where the intention was to use it as trees and bushes along the highways of his model railroad. So I saw it lying on the floor of the train room and asked him what we were going to do with it (half expecting him to say we were going to keep it and take it with us in the RV). He said, with a sheepish grin, that he couldn't just throw it out, but wanted to "set it free" along the highway somewhere. Hmmm, brings an old cowboy song to mind...oh and by the way, I believe that we picked up the tumbleweed on the same trip that we listened to a tape of cowboy music. This year's trip we listened to Roy Orbison and Fleetwood Mack (thank God :).
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweed here...thanks for stopping in pard'ners.

God bless our troops.

Knowing when to give thanks.

The last week or so, since I got back to work, I have continued the daily tradition of sending Laurie an email at work. Her Army address and her Army Reserve address of course is a staple in both email accounts I have - Yahoo, and my work address. I need only type in the first two letters of her first name and it comes up first on my stored address lists. Her replies always give me reason to smile. Kasey's grumpy mornings, or their taking breakfast and coffee to Stephen because he has to leave the house by 5 and everyone else is still sleeping. These are days to be grateful for - days they can be together as a family before Stephen leaves. I am so thankful they have them.

I am normally a very positive person - glass half full; heck, overflowing most of the time. But lately - as I think more like a mom and about the upcoming deployment - the cup isn't so full. And it depletes the spirit. Not the Holy Spirit, for He is always with me, but the human spirit you could say.

Today, I am feeling more like my old self. It was a good day at work and although I did bring work home, it's a voluntary thing...whatever I get done will just be a bonus for my day. Know what I mean? And when you have a good day, you know that it's more important to give thanks for the blessings rather than brood on what you can't do anything about.

So I smile at the good things that are happening for our little family so far away. There will be time enough to fret when they are separated, but for now, I just thank our God for His keeping them together in these days before the sand.

Thank you Father...truly, thank You.

And thanks for stopping by, my friends.

God bless our troops - each of them a reason to give thanks.

Permission.


It never fails. I wear my two star pin, and people ask if I have a son serving. No, I say, I have a daughter and a son serving. Now of course people also don't always understand why I say a son, when Stephen is technically our son-in-law. And I say that I consider him our 2nd son, not our son-in-law, because that's how much we love him.
I went to a baby shower today for a high school friend of Laurie's. It was large - 70 people. Of course I sat at a table with people I had never met and first they asked me how I know the mom to be. I told them that Laurie and Melissa are good friends...eventually, when they asked me why Laurie wasn't there, I said because she and her husband are in the military. "I hope," the one lady said, "that they are stationed in the states and not over there." I told her that Stephen is about to deploy for the third time.
BANG! Every woman at the table started talking about President Bush, the war, the things wrong with this and that and how awful it is that the military have to serve in "these wars."
I sat with my fork in hand, finishing my dinner, and waited until they were all done, then continued drinking my coffee and eating my dessert. When the last one to speak said how proud she is of all those boys, I said "and women...and you can believe that I am proud of them all...and believe in their mission."
Does hearing a mom say she has a child(ren)in the military give someone permission to berate the President, the war, etc., etc.? Do they stop and think how the mom must feel...maybe she doesn't want to hear it again...for some moms they are all too aware of the cost and the fears.
And so I just said, gently, but to end the discussion, "and that's where faith and prayer and trust come into the picture. I just believe that Stephen will come home safely."
It's their right as an American to voice their opinion. And my right as an American military mom to voice my pride and my belief in what they are doing. I'm not a hawk...just a believer in God's perfect will. Human nature tells me I should be afraid of what this year will bring, but I trust that His Spirit will keep me on a path of Faith.

Praise Him who gives us that faith.

And God bless those who keep us free to practice our faith. I love them all.

Fine Things.


What is it that we all consider "fine things?" The best that money can buy? Or a soft cashmere sweater adorned by a set of cultured pearls? A home with everything you could possibly want or need?
For me, I am learning quickly the fine things in life. When we went out to see the kids, I took with me the keepsake box with some of the things I wanted to give Laurie - trinkets her grandma used to wear; and others which were not tangible, but were the stories that went with the things I took to Laurie. There was the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that Ron's mom got from her second husband...mom was so funny about that...saying that she wished she would have gotten a new ring from him instead of a "used" ring. Mom kind of lost the idea behind the heirloom that Eddie had slipped on her finger when he proposed. Laurie and I enjoyed a good chuckle over that, remembering how mom could be sometimes. And then there were the earrings that mom wore on our wedding day. I thought Laurie should have them. She proably won't wear them since they are a little outdated and they are clip ons, but it's something of grandma's and something from our wedding day that she can hold on to.
There were a few of my things in that keepsake box as well - my first birthstone ring for example. Aquamarine. Laurie can wear that...her fingers are so tiny.
So tonight, I was in the basement trying to hoe things out and get some things up for this weekend's garage sale. But I kept finding all these priceless things that I just put back in the cabinet down there.
What are fine things? A mug that says #1 Mom with the handle broken off and stains in it from the paints the kids used for their crafts. A few tears with that one - I'm hopeless that way. There was the plant holder - blue, with the words BABY BOY on it - this from the dish garden I received when I gave birth to Scott 33 years ago. I kept that too...yeah, more tears.
I guess what I am saying is that fine things are what you treasure. Things from the past - not that I want to go back to the past...but I never want to forget it either. SO many memories.
When I look Two Star Banner in our front window, I'm reminded of the little girl who first picked that #1 Mom mug out in a gift shop for Mother's day one year, and then used it for rinsing her brush in as she worked with water colors. I see a little boy's handmade cards and the awkward, funny shaped letters that spelled out "I love you Mom."
Fine things...they may not be lavish or expensive...but to me, they are priceless.
God bless our troops...they are treasures, and priceless.
Hugs,
Sue