Yup, it's been awhile. We've had a busy couple of months....moving into our new home, and getting settled. Not always easy at our age, :-) but so much fun just the same. Picking out the furniture, the color schemes, having so many walls to hang all our wall hangings on. Haven't been able to do that since we left Hamburg over 3 years ago. Anyway, as we've been purchasing (one of my new favorite stores:IKEA) and painting and hanging things on the walls, the time has been passing. Still making the 20 minute drive to Laurie's every morning to get Kasey to school, and most afternoons to pick him up, the days are going quickly. Kasey has found that he has a new, fun thing to do now....going to visit Grandma and Grandpa at their new home....and having a say in the colors of "his" bedroom. It's the bedroom he slept in as a baby, now a guestroom in the colors of his choice (blue and white, with black and white bedding and wall hangings). Thrift stores have become my good friends as I have been looking for gently used things which will look good. It's almost done....just need to shop for various "boy" wall hangings with Kasey's likes in mind....soccer balls, baseballs, etc. I was going to paint stripes at chair rail height, but that was until I found a perfect picture for the big wall in his room. It's a picture of a little boy and a little girl sitting on a beach looking out at the water and the gathering clouds. The little boy has his arm around the little girl's shoulders...the two of them just sitting there in comfortable companionship. I don't know who I think that little girl and boy represent. Scott and Laurie when they were little? Laurie and Stephen? Kasey and his cousin Veronica whom he sees but not very often since they live so far away. Maybe even Ron and I? Whoever they are, seeing that little boy and girl was what made me decide to take the more decorative and boy friendly option of pictures instead of stripes. I have a couple of places to go to complete it all, but I smile each time I go in that room.
Kasey is a little boy who needs his Daddy to come home - and this will be soon. I have missed Stephen as much as I missed Laurie when she was deployed. And despite the number of times I've written them in letters, emails, and even on Face Book, I need to hug Stephen, and say those three words...'I love you' ....in person, and hug him like I've never hugged him before.
Soon, my grandson will hug his Daddy, Laurie will hug her beloved husband, and Ron and I will hug our second son...we will watch his unit march into the welcome ceremony center, and my eyes will already be poring out tears.
The time has gone fairly quickly, but only because of the busy-ness in our lives. Some of the days have been more difficult than others, but THIS deployment, I finally got it right and hardly watched Fox news or CNN or any of those stations with the little crawlers of horrible happenings constantly running across the bottom of the TV screen. Actually, I started that habit while Laurie was deployed and it was a good idea. After a million deployments (okay, it SEEMS like a million), and hearing from other military moms that this is what they do during deployments, I finally decided to try it myself.
Since I've been here last, our nation has chosen a President - not Ron's or my choice, but we'll see if it goes better this time. The Middle East has become more volatile, and I continue to pray for a world which seems to be heading for disaster, yet which I know is still very much in God's hands. I've become even more active in church, and am more thankful for all God has blessed me with.
And today, Ron and I took the plunge and became legal residents of Colorado. I think we were just waiting till we sold the fifth wheel, which has finally happened, and we are now "officially" retired to Colorado.
It feels a little funny yet....because although we've been living here for awhile now, and had pretty much made up our minds that this would be home after we sold the RV, I think moving into our new home cemented the idea.
So, watch for pictures soon - pictures of Stephen, and Laurie, and Kasey.....pictures of them all together for the first time in nearly a year.And we can say those 3 words....I love you...in person and as we hug Stephen.
God has blessed us. Again.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Still Waiting
If you were to ask me why it's so long between posts, I couldn't give you an answer. But in looking at the overview of this blog this morning, I know that you are still out there clicking on Two Star Mom and looking for new posts. So, with apologies for being so absent, this morning seems like a really good morning to catch up.
For those of you who follow my Facebook page, you know that we will be moving soon. It's a bittersweet time for Ron and I. It's a blessing because we will be able to have our own home - well, it belongs to Laurie and Stephen, but we will be renting it. The kids are excited for us - Laurie has been as enthusiastic about my decorating ideas as I have been. Not because she is anxious to see us leave, but because she is happy for us to have this chance to "begin again" in a new home. We've purchased new furniture, and the keys to our new home will be in our hand on October 1st. LOTS to do here at Kasey's house between now and then - packing, cleaning, cooking, and helping with Kasey! Then after we get the keys, it will be cleaning there and picking out wallpaper (just one wall in the kitchen) and choosing paint colors too. I've decided the colors I want each room to be....poor Ron has a bit of work to do, but me too.
But as the title of this post indicates, we are still waiting. And so are Laurie and Kasey....for Stephen to come home safely from his deployment. As my friend Betsy commented on FB, it seems like he's been gone a very long time. So true, Betsy. So true. I think I have prayed harder during this deployment than all of their deployments put together. I do NOT watch Fox news anymore....that little crawler that goes across the bottom of the screen is only a source of anxiety.
Our church is awesome in their support of military families. They list deployed soldiers in the bulletin every single week in our "prayers of the church" prayers. And not only are they mentioned in the list, but Pastor mentions them out loud in his prayers. Every week....every single week.
So, by the time Stephen is home again, the house he and Laurie lived in with Kasey when they were a very young family will be changed a bit. New furniture, new colors, but still a "family" feel, I pray.
Thank you for your prayers, my friends. I know they are being heard, and will be answered according to the perfect will of our Father.
There's nothing profound in this post, but I hope you know how much you mean to me. I'll try to give you something new to read more often.
For those of you who follow my Facebook page, you know that we will be moving soon. It's a bittersweet time for Ron and I. It's a blessing because we will be able to have our own home - well, it belongs to Laurie and Stephen, but we will be renting it. The kids are excited for us - Laurie has been as enthusiastic about my decorating ideas as I have been. Not because she is anxious to see us leave, but because she is happy for us to have this chance to "begin again" in a new home. We've purchased new furniture, and the keys to our new home will be in our hand on October 1st. LOTS to do here at Kasey's house between now and then - packing, cleaning, cooking, and helping with Kasey! Then after we get the keys, it will be cleaning there and picking out wallpaper (just one wall in the kitchen) and choosing paint colors too. I've decided the colors I want each room to be....poor Ron has a bit of work to do, but me too.
But as the title of this post indicates, we are still waiting. And so are Laurie and Kasey....for Stephen to come home safely from his deployment. As my friend Betsy commented on FB, it seems like he's been gone a very long time. So true, Betsy. So true. I think I have prayed harder during this deployment than all of their deployments put together. I do NOT watch Fox news anymore....that little crawler that goes across the bottom of the screen is only a source of anxiety.
Our church is awesome in their support of military families. They list deployed soldiers in the bulletin every single week in our "prayers of the church" prayers. And not only are they mentioned in the list, but Pastor mentions them out loud in his prayers. Every week....every single week.
So, by the time Stephen is home again, the house he and Laurie lived in with Kasey when they were a very young family will be changed a bit. New furniture, new colors, but still a "family" feel, I pray.
Thank you for your prayers, my friends. I know they are being heard, and will be answered according to the perfect will of our Father.
There's nothing profound in this post, but I hope you know how much you mean to me. I'll try to give you something new to read more often.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
No Matter Where We Were....
......may we never forget. 9/11/2001.
Prayers for the families and friends of those loved and lost on that day.
And may we forever be grateful for those men and women who have served our nation in the war on terrorism....especially for those who gave all they had to give.
God Bless America and those who keep her safe and free.
Prayers for the families and friends of those loved and lost on that day.
God Bless America and those who keep her safe and free.
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Yes Ma'am, Captain Laurie.
I heard a soldier call an officer 'ma'am" the other day and so I asked Laurie if her soldiers ever called her Ma'am. She asked me what I meant..and I said, 'Did your soldiers and staff call you ma'am when you were in Afghanistan? And she laughed and said, "yes and they still call me ma'am.' I guess that's what soldiers call their officers who are women. Laurie is no different~she calls her commander "ma'am" as well.
Today the list came out for soldiers eligible for promotion. Laurie made the list....she will be a Captain.
I thank God for this, and as I posted on Facebook, she has worked hard these last 13 plus years ~ as an enlisted soldier, and as an officer. But I give thanks to God since He has kept her safe and happy in her service. Safe through her service at home, and away, especially in Afghanistan.
Some things change, other things do not.
Kasey will still call Laurie "mom," Stephen will still call her "babe."
And her enlisted soldiers can still call her "ma'am".
Me? Oh I'll still call her honey, and by the nickname her brother gave her when she was 5 days old in a neonatal intensive care unit when she weighed less than 4 lbs. That still fits too, maybe it's because Scott gave her the name, but also because she had to work so hard even back then as a preemie. :-)
Please forgive me if I choose not to share it...she does, after all, deserve some respect. LOL. But I still use it when I want to get a point across, or during times like this when I need to remember how far God has brought her since those tense and prayerful days in her incubator so long ago. It's still so easy to remember that 18 year old girl who left for boot camp 14 years ago. I thought my heart would never stop aching....but instead, oh, how God has blessed us.
God's blessings on all who serve, and on all who wait.
Today the list came out for soldiers eligible for promotion. Laurie made the list....she will be a Captain.
I thank God for this, and as I posted on Facebook, she has worked hard these last 13 plus years ~ as an enlisted soldier, and as an officer. But I give thanks to God since He has kept her safe and happy in her service. Safe through her service at home, and away, especially in Afghanistan.
Some things change, other things do not.
Kasey will still call Laurie "mom," Stephen will still call her "babe."
And her enlisted soldiers can still call her "ma'am".
Me? Oh I'll still call her honey, and by the nickname her brother gave her when she was 5 days old in a neonatal intensive care unit when she weighed less than 4 lbs. That still fits too, maybe it's because Scott gave her the name, but also because she had to work so hard even back then as a preemie. :-)
Please forgive me if I choose not to share it...she does, after all, deserve some respect. LOL. But I still use it when I want to get a point across, or during times like this when I need to remember how far God has brought her since those tense and prayerful days in her incubator so long ago. It's still so easy to remember that 18 year old girl who left for boot camp 14 years ago. I thought my heart would never stop aching....but instead, oh, how God has blessed us.
God's blessings on all who serve, and on all who wait.
Friday, July 27, 2012
No Matter Who You're Speaking To....It's What They Do.
So yes, it's been two months since I've written anything, but I noticed on this site's over view this morning that I had two visitors today.
This would mean that at least two of you are still with me. Thanks for not giving up.
For those of you who are my Facebook friends, you know that we've been busy....traveling and visiting family in Buffalo (hence the new picture included on this post of Veronica), in GA my sister Chelle and bil Bob and my sister Pat and bil Allan in TN. Lots to do at church, too, with Vacation Bible school in June, and prayer group, and our ladies group too....just planning the program and schedule for the upcoming year's meetings.
And then there has been the wonderful blessing of having Laurie back home. Her voice is like music in the house and her company so wonderful at the dinner table, or just sitting and chatting about the day. It's been a summer slightly similar to last; except this summer, it's Stephen who is deployed instead of Laurie. Our prayers continue for him, and for Laurie and Kasey. Hopefully, this will be the last deployment this little guy has to endure for awhile. He is a brave little man, but still, it takes a toll after awhile. Under his eyes, there are the dark circles which come from who knows what. Worry? Fatigue? Sadness? I don't know, but I do know those circles will disappear after his Dad gets home. They always do.
While we were on vacation, Kasey fell at day camp and sustained a concussion. I thought of nothing else that day....we were traveling through Kansas and I did only one thing between rest stops, and gas station fill ups. I waited for Laurie's text messages on his progress. Part of this grandma's heart just wanted to go home, where I couldn't do anything for him anyway, but at least I would be here. But then the other part of this grandma's heart was finally able to realize that I have a grown daughter who is Kasey's mom...a daughter who hadn't been able to be his mom for a full year and now, though a difficult situation, she was glad to be the one at his side praying for him. Sometimes it takes a bit of anxiety to see the reality....I am no longer guardian, but grandma. This is good, yes? As I wrote to Stephen in a letter yesterday, I can spoil him now. YAY!! But I don't regret one single day as his guardian, difficult as they sometimes were.
But this brings me to the title of this post.....
There's almost always a battalion ball after a deployment, and this was no different for Laurie. Most times that Stephen has attended these activities after his own deployments it's been where he has received his awards for actions/leadership displayed during his deployment. So, the other day, when Laurie and I were on our way to Sherwin Williams for some paint, I asked her if they gave out awards. She told me that, no, the awards have already been given out. Not one to elaborate, that was the extent of that question being answered. So I said, "did you get an award?" and she said, "Yes." Again, the answer wasn't enough for me so I said, "Well, so what did you get?" And she said, simply, "A bronze star." Sigh....again my turn..."for WHAT?" And she said, "for doing my job, Mom." It was awarded in a ceremony just a few days before she returned home from Afghanistan.
Now I know that many soldiers who have been deployed receive bronze stars....and they make little of it.
Stephen has received a bronze star (or two) This is not taken lightly by his in laws.
But that night as we were watching TV with Laurie, I said to Ron, "Did you know that our daughter received a bronze star?" He said, "No! And I'd like to see the commendation that went with it." Laurie reluctantly went upstairs and fished it out of wherever she had put it and brought it down, along with the certificate that went with it. Ron cried, and I cried as well. To see what Laurie had been through, the explanation of the award and why she was being nominated for it only a few months into the deployment.....well, it put things into perspective about this little girl/woman/soldier sitting next to us. And when we told her of our pride, she said, "I only did my job...I wanted to make that time count...it was important that I make it count."
I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise....because whenever I thank a soldier these days, I always get the same response, "Thanks, ma'am, but I was just doing my job."
And an awesome job, at that.
Love to all who have done their job, to the families of those who have fallen while doing that job, and to those who wait while their loved one is still over there (and at home) doing that job.
May God bless you all, as He blesses me, and our family, each day.
This would mean that at least two of you are still with me. Thanks for not giving up.
For those of you who are my Facebook friends, you know that we've been busy....traveling and visiting family in Buffalo (hence the new picture included on this post of Veronica), in GA my sister Chelle and bil Bob and my sister Pat and bil Allan in TN. Lots to do at church, too, with Vacation Bible school in June, and prayer group, and our ladies group too....just planning the program and schedule for the upcoming year's meetings.
And then there has been the wonderful blessing of having Laurie back home. Her voice is like music in the house and her company so wonderful at the dinner table, or just sitting and chatting about the day. It's been a summer slightly similar to last; except this summer, it's Stephen who is deployed instead of Laurie. Our prayers continue for him, and for Laurie and Kasey. Hopefully, this will be the last deployment this little guy has to endure for awhile. He is a brave little man, but still, it takes a toll after awhile. Under his eyes, there are the dark circles which come from who knows what. Worry? Fatigue? Sadness? I don't know, but I do know those circles will disappear after his Dad gets home. They always do.
While we were on vacation, Kasey fell at day camp and sustained a concussion. I thought of nothing else that day....we were traveling through Kansas and I did only one thing between rest stops, and gas station fill ups. I waited for Laurie's text messages on his progress. Part of this grandma's heart just wanted to go home, where I couldn't do anything for him anyway, but at least I would be here. But then the other part of this grandma's heart was finally able to realize that I have a grown daughter who is Kasey's mom...a daughter who hadn't been able to be his mom for a full year and now, though a difficult situation, she was glad to be the one at his side praying for him. Sometimes it takes a bit of anxiety to see the reality....I am no longer guardian, but grandma. This is good, yes? As I wrote to Stephen in a letter yesterday, I can spoil him now. YAY!! But I don't regret one single day as his guardian, difficult as they sometimes were.
But this brings me to the title of this post.....
There's almost always a battalion ball after a deployment, and this was no different for Laurie. Most times that Stephen has attended these activities after his own deployments it's been where he has received his awards for actions/leadership displayed during his deployment. So, the other day, when Laurie and I were on our way to Sherwin Williams for some paint, I asked her if they gave out awards. She told me that, no, the awards have already been given out. Not one to elaborate, that was the extent of that question being answered. So I said, "did you get an award?" and she said, "Yes." Again, the answer wasn't enough for me so I said, "Well, so what did you get?" And she said, simply, "A bronze star." Sigh....again my turn..."for WHAT?" And she said, "for doing my job, Mom." It was awarded in a ceremony just a few days before she returned home from Afghanistan.
Now I know that many soldiers who have been deployed receive bronze stars....and they make little of it.
Stephen has received a bronze star (or two) This is not taken lightly by his in laws.
But that night as we were watching TV with Laurie, I said to Ron, "Did you know that our daughter received a bronze star?" He said, "No! And I'd like to see the commendation that went with it." Laurie reluctantly went upstairs and fished it out of wherever she had put it and brought it down, along with the certificate that went with it. Ron cried, and I cried as well. To see what Laurie had been through, the explanation of the award and why she was being nominated for it only a few months into the deployment.....well, it put things into perspective about this little girl/woman/soldier sitting next to us. And when we told her of our pride, she said, "I only did my job...I wanted to make that time count...it was important that I make it count."
I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise....because whenever I thank a soldier these days, I always get the same response, "Thanks, ma'am, but I was just doing my job."
And an awesome job, at that.
Love to all who have done their job, to the families of those who have fallen while doing that job, and to those who wait while their loved one is still over there (and at home) doing that job.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Not Just An Ordinary Weekend.
It's only a little after 8 on Saturday morning - I was wide awake at 6am (sigh) and we are waiting for a wind storm to move in for the weekend - or at least for most of today. As we watch the lush green leaves on the trees in our back yard moving a little more with each passing hour, I know that Laurie is upstairs on her computer waiting for a Skype call from Stephen. Kasey is still sound asleep, but we'll hear his feet hit the floor pretty soon and the weekend will officially begin.
Graduation party today, church and a pot luck afterwards tomorrow, and just a laid back kind of weekend.
But not just an ordinary weekend.
Prayers for the families of all who have loved and lost sons and daughters, husbands and wives, moms and dads, brothers and sisters during their service to our nation ~ during war, in peace, and without regret. And prayers for those who still serve and those who love them.
It's not an easy thing they do, but when I thanked a soldier the other day in Safeway - he was just back from Afghanistan - they are proud to do it. "Thank you, ma'am, but it's what we do."
To which I replied, 'Oh, yes, and you do it SO well.'
God bless America - and those who keep her free.
Graduation party today, church and a pot luck afterwards tomorrow, and just a laid back kind of weekend.
But not just an ordinary weekend.
Prayers for the families of all who have loved and lost sons and daughters, husbands and wives, moms and dads, brothers and sisters during their service to our nation ~ during war, in peace, and without regret. And prayers for those who still serve and those who love them.
It's not an easy thing they do, but when I thanked a soldier the other day in Safeway - he was just back from Afghanistan - they are proud to do it. "Thank you, ma'am, but it's what we do."
To which I replied, 'Oh, yes, and you do it SO well.'
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Journey's End.
So here we are. A year has passed - no wait, it took11 months, 16 days, 12 hours - but finally, Laurie's deployment is over. When the 200 soldiers came marching into the welcome facility last week one night at 9 o'clock, we had already seen the video of the plane's approach, landing, and being directed in by the ground crew. Then we saw the steps being rolled up, and the welcome committee and band gathered at the bottom of the steps. The soldiers each descended the stairs and went down the line shaking hands with the welcome committee. And only a few soldiers into the welcome, we saw our dear soldier daughter going through the line. Her smile was unmistakable and unwavering as she greeted each person. It would be another hour before the welcome home ceremony at the post, but she was home. Her boots were on the ground. And just moments later, my cell phone rang and there was so much noise in the welcome home center that I didn't recognize Laurie's voice. Until she finally said, "It's your daughter." LOL But for the first time in a long long time, there was no delay between our questions and answers. She was calling from the place they'd gone to after the plane landed and wanted to know where we were sitting so she could find us when the welcome ceremony was ended. She could see us from where she was, and watched us as we got ready to greet them all. She told me, "Mom, just stay where you are seated and I will come to you because it will be a madhouse,"
Now you may have heard about or experienced welcome home ceremonies for our troops. If you haven't, let me just say there are no words to tell of the joy....of the tears that fill your eyes when Lee Greenwood's Proud To Be An American comes over the speakers - the room full of family and friends knowing that a set of double doors and a few soldiers who stand there waiting to open them are all that keep a battalion of soldiers from marching in. And then the machine that makes the dust come out in a cloud begins doing just that as the doors open and xxx number of soldiers come marching through the doors. I cannot tell you how earnestly the loved ones standing and cheering look for the face they love so much in that line up of soldiers. Nor can I tell you of the pride - not just in being the loved one of an American soldier, but in being an American who loves ALL of our troops. When we turn toward the huge American flag for the National Anthem with our hands over our hearts....THIS is America. The troops, the signs, the wives and moms and dads, and the kids dressed in their red, white, and blue waiting for their chance to see mommy or daddy or Uncle Joe or Aunt Jane. And to see your husband cry unashamedly because his (our) little girl is home and the fear has been lifted from his heart.
The journey - it would be 11 months, 16 days, and 12 hours from the moment we kissed and hugged her goodbye that early morning last year when she reported for deployment. Who's counting? I am...... grateful for every moment because the journey that began from here also ended with hugs and tears and the knowledge that our prayers last year when she left for God's Grace and Mercy have once again been answered, and given to our family in rich supply.
Ron, tenderhearted Dad that he is, well, let's just say that the pictures of him included below tell the story of how he felt. One of the many reasons I love that man. His tender heart.
And Kasey - well, sometimes a picture really DOES say a thousand words...and in much better ways than this grandma ever could.
It's been over a week since Laurie arrived and while she is thankful to be home, there is one person who is missing - Stephen. Laurie is taking it all in stride, at least on the outside.....but on the inside? One can only guess. I pray for strength for Laurie's little family - and for Ron and I as well. We have lots of time remaining before his boots hit the ground here at home, but we can only pray and trust and leave him in the Lord's hands.
But then, for all the journeys our soldiers have taken, God's Grace and Mercy have been with them - and with us.
Thank you for all of your prayers for my children - and for all of us. We are so grateful to know that we are not alone.
Now you may have heard about or experienced welcome home ceremonies for our troops. If you haven't, let me just say there are no words to tell of the joy....of the tears that fill your eyes when Lee Greenwood's Proud To Be An American comes over the speakers - the room full of family and friends knowing that a set of double doors and a few soldiers who stand there waiting to open them are all that keep a battalion of soldiers from marching in. And then the machine that makes the dust come out in a cloud begins doing just that as the doors open and xxx number of soldiers come marching through the doors. I cannot tell you how earnestly the loved ones standing and cheering look for the face they love so much in that line up of soldiers. Nor can I tell you of the pride - not just in being the loved one of an American soldier, but in being an American who loves ALL of our troops. When we turn toward the huge American flag for the National Anthem with our hands over our hearts....THIS is America. The troops, the signs, the wives and moms and dads, and the kids dressed in their red, white, and blue waiting for their chance to see mommy or daddy or Uncle Joe or Aunt Jane. And to see your husband cry unashamedly because his (our) little girl is home and the fear has been lifted from his heart.
The journey - it would be 11 months, 16 days, and 12 hours from the moment we kissed and hugged her goodbye that early morning last year when she reported for deployment. Who's counting? I am...... grateful for every moment because the journey that began from here also ended with hugs and tears and the knowledge that our prayers last year when she left for God's Grace and Mercy have once again been answered, and given to our family in rich supply.
Ron, tenderhearted Dad that he is, well, let's just say that the pictures of him included below tell the story of how he felt. One of the many reasons I love that man. His tender heart.
And Kasey - well, sometimes a picture really DOES say a thousand words...and in much better ways than this grandma ever could.
It's been over a week since Laurie arrived and while she is thankful to be home, there is one person who is missing - Stephen. Laurie is taking it all in stride, at least on the outside.....but on the inside? One can only guess. I pray for strength for Laurie's little family - and for Ron and I as well. We have lots of time remaining before his boots hit the ground here at home, but we can only pray and trust and leave him in the Lord's hands.
But then, for all the journeys our soldiers have taken, God's Grace and Mercy have been with them - and with us.
Monday, April 23, 2012
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
When it began, this deployment was so difficult to think about, and instead of thinking of it as a year, I took it one day at a time - often one hour, one minute at a time. When I go to bed at night I ask the Lord for a safe day for my children - all of them. Here,and in Buffalo, and over there, where Laurie is. And now where Stephen is also. When I get up in the morning, I ask for a safe night's sleep for Laurie and Stephen, and a good day for Scott and Vi too. Not to mention Luke, and Veronica, and Kasey. And so, at first, we kind of trudged through the days here at home. Stephen like a fish out of water because Laurie was deployed instead of himself. But we soon got into our routines and the days began to pass quickly. Laurie came home for R and R during the Christmas holidays and things seemed normal again....for a little while.
Once Stephen received his deployment orders, things moved quickly, and now we count the days on two calendars (mentally, that is), both for the safe return of our soldiers.
So in looking at all of these things in a big box, I realized that this year has been one which I never could have imagined. When Laurie left, I was lost. A mom can't explain what goes through her heart and mind when her daughter goes to war, and then her daughter's husband too.
But in receiving that package, and in thinking about the past year, I realize that God had His plans for me too. Not just cooking and cleaning and taking care of two men and a boy and the dogs. But rather receiving a gift far greater than I could have imagined.....the open door to our new church. To a strengthened faith, new friends, and the reality that when your child leaves for over there, faith IS what will get a person through. And of course all of you and your prayers. We still need them, please.
Faith, family, friends.
These are a few of my favorite things.....and I would have to bet that even though as a mom and daughter Laurie and I haven't always agreed about everything....those three of our favorite things are the same.
Thanks for stopping by - God's blessings to you all.
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Weeks of Easter.
When Lent began on Ash Wednesday, our Pastor (who is awesome) asked us to give up a few things.
Oh, we could give up the usual things like chocolate, or sweets, etc., but especially, he asked us to give up our anxieties, sadness, guilt, and sin. Maybe because of this, and with God's help, this Lent and Easter season has been more meaningful than I can ever remember. I've shared this with Ron and with some of my church family, but since you also know me, it was important to share it with you as well.
Admittedly, there were moments during those 40 days that I truly struggled with this. Stephen would be leaving before Easter. With Laurie still over there, my prayers were for her as she thought, in a war zone, about her husband's deployment. As her mom I struggled with what she must be feeling. But on that day, when Stephen hugged us goodbye, (and as I wanted to keep holding on to him) the prayer I had been praying for weeks, (Please, Lord, let this happen without tears), was answered. There were no tears until after he left, and they were not in front of Kasey. A few days later, Laurie Skyped to say that the powers that be (thank you LORD) had managed for them to be able to spend some time together. On Easter morning, they were still together.
The joy of Easter goes past that one Sunday after Good Friday. The joy continues, and I am realizing more and more that the sadness, guilt, anxieties, and sin for which Jesus died are still ours- still mine - to give up every single day. Not just during 40 days of the church year. They ALL died on the cross with God's Son.
Moms worry - even Mary probably worried about Jesus....but they are calmed in the peace He brings to us. No matter what hurts or joys lie upon our hearts, God sees them....and hears them in our prayers, and brings us dear and wonderful Christian friends who pray with us, and who hug us in Christian love. He helps us past our own thoughts to hear and pray for what is on their hearts as well. Not just the anxieties, but the joys too!
Praying that His peace will also be in the hearts of our military men and women who are in the midst of war. Or who are about to be in the midst of war - and in the hearts of those who love them.
Every single day He helps me to realize more and more that Easter joy is not just a feeling..it is a blessed reality.
May you know this too.
When Lent began on Ash Wednesday, our Pastor (who is awesome) asked us to give up a few things.
Oh, we could give up the usual things like chocolate, or sweets, etc., but especially, he asked us to give up our anxieties, sadness, guilt, and sin. Maybe because of this, and with God's help, this Lent and Easter season has been more meaningful than I can ever remember. I've shared this with Ron and with some of my church family, but since you also know me, it was important to share it with you as well.
Admittedly, there were moments during those 40 days that I truly struggled with this. Stephen would be leaving before Easter. With Laurie still over there, my prayers were for her as she thought, in a war zone, about her husband's deployment. As her mom I struggled with what she must be feeling. But on that day, when Stephen hugged us goodbye, (and as I wanted to keep holding on to him) the prayer I had been praying for weeks, (Please, Lord, let this happen without tears), was answered. There were no tears until after he left, and they were not in front of Kasey. A few days later, Laurie Skyped to say that the powers that be (thank you LORD) had managed for them to be able to spend some time together. On Easter morning, they were still together.
The joy of Easter goes past that one Sunday after Good Friday. The joy continues, and I am realizing more and more that the sadness, guilt, anxieties, and sin for which Jesus died are still ours- still mine - to give up every single day. Not just during 40 days of the church year. They ALL died on the cross with God's Son.
Moms worry - even Mary probably worried about Jesus....but they are calmed in the peace He brings to us. No matter what hurts or joys lie upon our hearts, God sees them....and hears them in our prayers, and brings us dear and wonderful Christian friends who pray with us, and who hug us in Christian love. He helps us past our own thoughts to hear and pray for what is on their hearts as well. Not just the anxieties, but the joys too!
Praying that His peace will also be in the hearts of our military men and women who are in the midst of war. Or who are about to be in the midst of war - and in the hearts of those who love them.
Every single day He helps me to realize more and more that Easter joy is not just a feeling..it is a blessed reality.
May you know this too.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Does Time REALLY Heal All Wounds?
So we've nearly come to the time for favorite meals and last minute lists - of making sure questions are asked, and answered, and for a Dad to reassure his son that he will be careful when he is getting the bad guys.
And for two soldiers and their son to SKYPE once or twice more as a threesome.
In less than a year, our other soldier will be back home.
This is OUR plan, and we pray it is God's plan as well.
Now I know that God does not give us a spirit of fear...but rather courage. And we know that His angels are all around us - resting on our shoulders, and helping us to feel His peace in our hearts. So, we can know that when we call on His name, He hears us. And we hear Him as well - in the quiet of the night, or when we are in battle. You know, the everyday battles that most of us deal with. Or in the battles that our nation's bravest and finest are asked to wage in a place far away from their home soil.
Laurie will be home soon - thank you, Lord. And in time, our Stephen will be home as well. I thank God for the trust we can have in Him. And that it's okay to be worried too. He understands our hearts and our fears.
Hebrews 11:1:
"Now Faith is the substance of all things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."
So maybe time doesn't heal all wounds, but the Faith He gives us DOES give us the hope that at the end of a certain period of time, our hearts are healed of the worry, and joy and thanksgiving are left in it's place.
He's got this one too.
Thank you, Lord.
So we've nearly come to the time for favorite meals and last minute lists - of making sure questions are asked, and answered, and for a Dad to reassure his son that he will be careful when he is getting the bad guys.
And for two soldiers and their son to SKYPE once or twice more as a threesome.
In less than a year, our other soldier will be back home.
This is OUR plan, and we pray it is God's plan as well.
Now I know that God does not give us a spirit of fear...but rather courage. And we know that His angels are all around us - resting on our shoulders, and helping us to feel His peace in our hearts. So, we can know that when we call on His name, He hears us. And we hear Him as well - in the quiet of the night, or when we are in battle. You know, the everyday battles that most of us deal with. Or in the battles that our nation's bravest and finest are asked to wage in a place far away from their home soil.
Laurie will be home soon - thank you, Lord. And in time, our Stephen will be home as well. I thank God for the trust we can have in Him. And that it's okay to be worried too. He understands our hearts and our fears.
Hebrews 11:1:
"Now Faith is the substance of all things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."
So maybe time doesn't heal all wounds, but the Faith He gives us DOES give us the hope that at the end of a certain period of time, our hearts are healed of the worry, and joy and thanksgiving are left in it's place.
He's got this one too.
Thank you, Lord.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Stephen, Skyping with Laurie, and the smiles that always pass between them.
How does a mom rejoice in the upcoming return of her child, her daughter, (okay, she's our baby), when you know that before she comes home, a dearly loved son in law will deploy to the same hell that his wife is in right now? How do we do this?
The phone rang the other day, and when I picked it up, I heard Laurie's name, and then something about contact number. I asked the person to repeat what she was saying, and my heart was in my throat. All I heard was contact number, Laurie's name, and "is that correct?" I said that yes, they had the correct number and that I was Laurie's mom. She told me that she had a date for an information meeting about Laurie's unit returning. I don't think my heart started beating again until I was off the phone, staring at the information I had written down. And then I realized what the meeting is for - and I said a quiet 'thank you, Lord.' Quiet because I think our voice is sometimes heard better when we speak quietly. The fear that had gripped me only a moment before gave way to my quiet prayer of thanks.
Stephen and Laurie will miss each other by a matter of weeks. When I think of embracing her in that welcome home ceremony, my heart just bursts with happiness. But I would give all of that up if only Stephen could be there. Instead, we will be embracing him goodbye just days before we welcome Laurie,.
Can I tell you how my heart aches for them? For Kasey? For all of us?
And can I tell you of my pride, without sounding like I am boasting?
I will never understand all of this war thing, but I have never been an objector and never will be. I am, simply, a mom who loves her children. And my pride does not feel boastful. It's simply what they are willing to do to see that the baton is passed....and they will (prayerfully) safely run the race and pass the baton to someone else when their time in that place is done and on and on until they all come home. I have crawled onto the lap of our Father many times, and it's a good place to be - especially when stuff seems like it's closing in. I could say that I haven't ever prayed this hard, but there were times when, as a young man, Scott was very ill; and when Violet was near death a year ago from her Crohn's disease, or when....well, you get the picture.
And all of my prayers were answered at those times with God's grace and mercy. I have no doubt they will be answered in that way again. They are feeble prayers compared to the power of the name I call on.
But I know He hears each and every one.
Awesome, isn't it?
How does a mom rejoice in the upcoming return of her child, her daughter, (okay, she's our baby), when you know that before she comes home, a dearly loved son in law will deploy to the same hell that his wife is in right now? How do we do this?
The phone rang the other day, and when I picked it up, I heard Laurie's name, and then something about contact number. I asked the person to repeat what she was saying, and my heart was in my throat. All I heard was contact number, Laurie's name, and "is that correct?" I said that yes, they had the correct number and that I was Laurie's mom. She told me that she had a date for an information meeting about Laurie's unit returning. I don't think my heart started beating again until I was off the phone, staring at the information I had written down. And then I realized what the meeting is for - and I said a quiet 'thank you, Lord.' Quiet because I think our voice is sometimes heard better when we speak quietly. The fear that had gripped me only a moment before gave way to my quiet prayer of thanks.
Stephen and Laurie will miss each other by a matter of weeks. When I think of embracing her in that welcome home ceremony, my heart just bursts with happiness. But I would give all of that up if only Stephen could be there. Instead, we will be embracing him goodbye just days before we welcome Laurie,.
Can I tell you how my heart aches for them? For Kasey? For all of us?
And can I tell you of my pride, without sounding like I am boasting?
I will never understand all of this war thing, but I have never been an objector and never will be. I am, simply, a mom who loves her children. And my pride does not feel boastful. It's simply what they are willing to do to see that the baton is passed....and they will (prayerfully) safely run the race and pass the baton to someone else when their time in that place is done and on and on until they all come home. I have crawled onto the lap of our Father many times, and it's a good place to be - especially when stuff seems like it's closing in. I could say that I haven't ever prayed this hard, but there were times when, as a young man, Scott was very ill; and when Violet was near death a year ago from her Crohn's disease, or when....well, you get the picture.
And all of my prayers were answered at those times with God's grace and mercy. I have no doubt they will be answered in that way again. They are feeble prayers compared to the power of the name I call on.
But I know He hears each and every one.
Awesome, isn't it?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Rough Around The Edges
Stephen will be home soon from his pre-deployment training. It's been 3 weeks and all has gone well here - Kasey has been very good - getting up well on these dark winter mornings, bringing pillow and favorite blanket down to the couch to watch some Animal Planet for a few minutes until his breakfast is ready. He is a creature of habit - a tiny little man who knows exactly what he wants. And always please and thank yous. Church and Sunday School are now a regular part of his week - he loves it. And I love that he can be sitting between Ron and I every Sunday and receiving a blessing when Ron and I are taking communion. We've settled into a nice routine here and he seems glad to have grandma and grandpa around.
Well, MOST of the time.
Yesterday, though, was a bit difficult. He had had a long weekend from school due to (grand) parent/teacher conferences. Mine was to be on Thursday, but Thursday morning we woke up to a winter wonderland and the school canceled all conferences and kept the staff at home. So we used the day to have breakfast at IHOP, to do our errands, get Kasey a much needed haircut, and also grocery shopping at the commissary. Shopping at the Commissary is an adventure. We always try (but aren't usually successful) to shop on any day but military paydays. (unfortunately, those are usually the days we get my pension or social security direct deposits). Fridays and Saturdays are also bad. And lunch time too - get the picture?
Anyway, we were really busy but I think Kasey missed the structure of school (but I'm sure that he doesn't realize this..:-). So yesterday, Kasey and I had a little chat and the rest of our day was awesome. After all, we all have bad days once in awhile - even kids do. Especially soon to be 7 year old boys with two parents in the military.
Rough patches are okay once in awhile. It makes you think, and sit, and talk to one another. And what can help a grandma and her little boy realize respect for one another more than quiet talks with an I love you or two thrown in for extra measure? He, ummm we, are going to need a lot of those I love yous in the weeks and months ahead. Not to mention the prayers. Lots of those too.
I think we've got this one - it's not in our hands anyway, right?
Thank you for that, Lord.
Stephen will be home soon from his pre-deployment training. It's been 3 weeks and all has gone well here - Kasey has been very good - getting up well on these dark winter mornings, bringing pillow and favorite blanket down to the couch to watch some Animal Planet for a few minutes until his breakfast is ready. He is a creature of habit - a tiny little man who knows exactly what he wants. And always please and thank yous. Church and Sunday School are now a regular part of his week - he loves it. And I love that he can be sitting between Ron and I every Sunday and receiving a blessing when Ron and I are taking communion. We've settled into a nice routine here and he seems glad to have grandma and grandpa around.
Well, MOST of the time.
Yesterday, though, was a bit difficult. He had had a long weekend from school due to (grand) parent/teacher conferences. Mine was to be on Thursday, but Thursday morning we woke up to a winter wonderland and the school canceled all conferences and kept the staff at home. So we used the day to have breakfast at IHOP, to do our errands, get Kasey a much needed haircut, and also grocery shopping at the commissary. Shopping at the Commissary is an adventure. We always try (but aren't usually successful) to shop on any day but military paydays. (unfortunately, those are usually the days we get my pension or social security direct deposits). Fridays and Saturdays are also bad. And lunch time too - get the picture?
Anyway, we were really busy but I think Kasey missed the structure of school (but I'm sure that he doesn't realize this..:-). So yesterday, Kasey and I had a little chat and the rest of our day was awesome. After all, we all have bad days once in awhile - even kids do. Especially soon to be 7 year old boys with two parents in the military.
Rough patches are okay once in awhile. It makes you think, and sit, and talk to one another. And what can help a grandma and her little boy realize respect for one another more than quiet talks with an I love you or two thrown in for extra measure? He, ummm we, are going to need a lot of those I love yous in the weeks and months ahead. Not to mention the prayers. Lots of those too.
I think we've got this one - it's not in our hands anyway, right?
Thank you for that, Lord.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Love Will Keep Us Together.
When Laurie deployed - actually before she left - I began saving up little things that would go nicely in a scrap book. Wrote down some dates, tried to keep track of EVERYTHING from Day 1. Of course with a little boy, a big house, and two grown men to look after, (and of course a dog or two or even three) some things kind of left this brain of mine. Oh, there will be a scrap book, and there will be plenty in it all right, but instead of it being one year's events from a single deployment of one soldier, it will be a two year journal of two soldiers deployed. But at least I know what the title is going to be, and that will help it take shape.
We are doing well here - all in all. Kasey is doing well with his Dad at predeployment training, we are on our second week now and he seems content to know that Grandma and Grandpa are here. I often wonder if he wakes up in the morning and thinks, "Oh man, they're still here." LOL. I know he is happy that we are here, but I wish his mom and dad could be here too. Hard to know what goes through the mind of an almost 7 year old. Tomorrow being Valentines Day, he did all of his valentines tonight, and put a scratch and sniff sticker on all of them. Of course there was one that had more than one sticker - it was for the little girl who has won his heart. He actually told her the other day that she is pretty. Wish I could have been there to hear THAT one, and to see her reaction.
He is enrolled in Sunday School at our church now - was so excited about it and that makes me happy. When we skyped with Laurie the other day she told Kasey that she went to Sunday School until she was 18 years old and almost until she left for the Army. I smile thinking of that. Kasey was just so cute yesterday getting ready for church - he let me comb his hair and everything. I wrote the day and time down so I would remember that he actually did let me comb his hair one time. :-)
We have new primary doctors now - thank you Lord. Finally, there are doctors in Colorado Springs that accept my health insurance. Of course soon I will be on Medicare and my health insurance will be secondary. Medicare....that has a ring to it that I'm not sure I like.
But we go through our days doing the things that are needed. Things that we like to do, and spending time with our little boy. Stephen calls him when he can and that's good too.
We're also hoping to make a trip back to Buffalo after Laurie gets home and has some time off. Ron hasn't seen Scott and Vi and Veronica in nearly two years....that's a long time for a Papa not to see his Veronica.
So I have the title all picked out for the scrap book. It might sound familiar - an oldie but goodie.
Considering our family -ALL of us, and what we've been through and what is still ahead - it's a given really....
Love will keep us together.
When Laurie deployed - actually before she left - I began saving up little things that would go nicely in a scrap book. Wrote down some dates, tried to keep track of EVERYTHING from Day 1. Of course with a little boy, a big house, and two grown men to look after, (and of course a dog or two or even three) some things kind of left this brain of mine. Oh, there will be a scrap book, and there will be plenty in it all right, but instead of it being one year's events from a single deployment of one soldier, it will be a two year journal of two soldiers deployed. But at least I know what the title is going to be, and that will help it take shape.
We are doing well here - all in all. Kasey is doing well with his Dad at predeployment training, we are on our second week now and he seems content to know that Grandma and Grandpa are here. I often wonder if he wakes up in the morning and thinks, "Oh man, they're still here." LOL. I know he is happy that we are here, but I wish his mom and dad could be here too. Hard to know what goes through the mind of an almost 7 year old. Tomorrow being Valentines Day, he did all of his valentines tonight, and put a scratch and sniff sticker on all of them. Of course there was one that had more than one sticker - it was for the little girl who has won his heart. He actually told her the other day that she is pretty. Wish I could have been there to hear THAT one, and to see her reaction.
He is enrolled in Sunday School at our church now - was so excited about it and that makes me happy. When we skyped with Laurie the other day she told Kasey that she went to Sunday School until she was 18 years old and almost until she left for the Army. I smile thinking of that. Kasey was just so cute yesterday getting ready for church - he let me comb his hair and everything. I wrote the day and time down so I would remember that he actually did let me comb his hair one time. :-)
We have new primary doctors now - thank you Lord. Finally, there are doctors in Colorado Springs that accept my health insurance. Of course soon I will be on Medicare and my health insurance will be secondary. Medicare....that has a ring to it that I'm not sure I like.
But we go through our days doing the things that are needed. Things that we like to do, and spending time with our little boy. Stephen calls him when he can and that's good too.
We're also hoping to make a trip back to Buffalo after Laurie gets home and has some time off. Ron hasn't seen Scott and Vi and Veronica in nearly two years....that's a long time for a Papa not to see his Veronica.
So I have the title all picked out for the scrap book. It might sound familiar - an oldie but goodie.
Considering our family -ALL of us, and what we've been through and what is still ahead - it's a given really....
Love will keep us together.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
When Words Get Stuck......
As we reach mid-January, we continue to count the months, weeks, and days (hours) until Laurie comes home from her deployment. Having her here for Christmas was a wonderful thing. R and R goes entirely too quickly, but you would be amazed at what a soldier and his/her family can pack into those two weeks. And Laurie did about as much as she could while still getting some much needed catching up on sleep. They took a trip with Kasey to see Disneyland, the San Diego zoo, and of course, Lego Land. The house was pretty quiet while they were gone and I think they thought we were ready for the quiet. Not so. Quiet can be good, but not THAT quiet. Knowing that they had some wonderful family time that they will remember for many years to come was worth Ron and I having to put up with each other, though. LOL.
But there was the reality of Laurie knowing that before her deployment is over, Stephen will be beginning his. We've known this for several weeks now - putting it into a post just wasn't possible. And I wanted to get through the joy of the holidays without thinking about what is ahead. It's not something we could even think about, and yet as time goes forward, so does the reality and the need to come to grips with it all. Stephen will be leaving soon for his pre-deployment training for the month of February, and not long after he comes home from that will be the deployment.
Your prayers for us all would be so appreciated.
God has given us a great gift these last months in our new church. Our Pastor knows the path the Lord is asking us to walk on, and he is a good friend already. Our church family has welcomed us with warm hugs and sincere welcome wishes. His timing, as always, is perfect.
Kasey will keep us busy, and we will keep him busy as well to help the time pass; but I wish I could have a peek into his little heart to understand what he must be feeling. Even if I could see, I probably wouldn't understand. I don't even understand all that I am feeling, let alone a 6 year old little boy.
I'll try to keep up my posting on a more regular basis but please forgive me if the words get stuck and aren't easily put into a post. But blogging is cleansing and good for the heart and mind so I really will try to visit here more often.
You are such a blessing to our family.
As we reach mid-January, we continue to count the months, weeks, and days (hours) until Laurie comes home from her deployment. Having her here for Christmas was a wonderful thing. R and R goes entirely too quickly, but you would be amazed at what a soldier and his/her family can pack into those two weeks. And Laurie did about as much as she could while still getting some much needed catching up on sleep. They took a trip with Kasey to see Disneyland, the San Diego zoo, and of course, Lego Land. The house was pretty quiet while they were gone and I think they thought we were ready for the quiet. Not so. Quiet can be good, but not THAT quiet. Knowing that they had some wonderful family time that they will remember for many years to come was worth Ron and I having to put up with each other, though. LOL.
But there was the reality of Laurie knowing that before her deployment is over, Stephen will be beginning his. We've known this for several weeks now - putting it into a post just wasn't possible. And I wanted to get through the joy of the holidays without thinking about what is ahead. It's not something we could even think about, and yet as time goes forward, so does the reality and the need to come to grips with it all. Stephen will be leaving soon for his pre-deployment training for the month of February, and not long after he comes home from that will be the deployment.
Your prayers for us all would be so appreciated.
God has given us a great gift these last months in our new church. Our Pastor knows the path the Lord is asking us to walk on, and he is a good friend already. Our church family has welcomed us with warm hugs and sincere welcome wishes. His timing, as always, is perfect.
Kasey will keep us busy, and we will keep him busy as well to help the time pass; but I wish I could have a peek into his little heart to understand what he must be feeling. Even if I could see, I probably wouldn't understand. I don't even understand all that I am feeling, let alone a 6 year old little boy.
I'll try to keep up my posting on a more regular basis but please forgive me if the words get stuck and aren't easily put into a post. But blogging is cleansing and good for the heart and mind so I really will try to visit here more often.
You are such a blessing to our family.
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