Busy days...special times.

This was a busy weekend. Veronica spent Friday night and Saturday night here so she could be with her da-dee. What a little charmer she can be..she bats those beautiful long eyelashes of hers and I melt...well, not always, but usually. And her Papa? Man oh man he is like silly putty when his little Veronica wants something and procedes to ask for it in that sweet as sugar 3 year old voice. She loves spending time with Scott - and it's a mutual thing. Since Scott has been here, we have encouraged him in his abilities to be a dad...he feels badly that he left for awhile and then came back. I keep telling him that the most important thing to remember is what brought him back home...his family. So, each weekend, Veronica will spend at least one night at Nana and Papa's (and now Da-dee's house too). Usually, she prefers to fall asleep on the couch and then Scott carries her upstairs to Laurie's old bedroom. As I watched Scott leave the family room last night with her asleep on his shoulder, for a moment it seemed like only yesterday Scott was the sleepy toddler and Ron the daddy with an arm full of snips and snails. Funny how a mom's mind and heart never forget images like that.
Our two soldiers are settling in nicely at their new home. Kasey enjoys the warmer weather and his new day care seems to agree with him. K-bug posted a really, really nice story the other day on her website - about spending time on Army bases and listening for Reveille and Taps in the morning and at night. The military life is not an easy one - but it is a simple one. Even their entertainment and times of family fun are simple...kind of a forgotten art in the busy busy times we've all become so accustomed to. And so, Kasey (and any little sisters or brothers he might have in the future :) will learn to live life not taking things for granted. He will understand that happiness is as simple and wonderful as having both his mommy and daddy at home with him and that nothing is more exciting than seeing mommy or daddy after they've been gone for awhile because they are a soldier.
So, whether it's helping our son cope with a broken marriage, adjusting to weekends with a busy little 3 year old around, or the constant reminder that my two star banner brings - of my children so far away, (but living a good life together)...well, no matter how you look at it, just the sheer joy of being a family...this is a wonderful thing.
May God bless you in the week ahead and may He bless our troops with His loving care.

Time flies when you're having fun....?


Ok, eight days since I've posted - I think that's a record for me. I've been sick...some sort of upper respiratory/sinus infection thing...you know, the kind of thing that makes a woman sound like a man and makes the ribs ache from coughing. I even missed a couple of days of work - if you knew me, you'd know that is just about unheard of.
Scott is still staying with us and it's really a great thing - I think it's been good for him too. He seems content. We sleep much better at night, that's for sure. In the morning when I come out to the kitchen, there are telltale signs that an elf has visited - you know, the cookie sheet and an empty frozen pizza box, or a knife with peanut butter on it, a plate with crumbs on it. And I just smile, take a shower and start my day.
Some of us are counting the days until Wendy's son Jay returns from the sand. It's been a long 15 months...he lost a good good friend while they were there so he is coming home feeling incomplete, I'm sure. Sad.
This year will be the first time in 27 years that we will not see Laurie...and Stephen and Kasey too, at Christmas time. The fares are outrageous...when I think of this it makes me sad, but they are at least stateside. I will be grateful for that all during the holidays.
Cathy is experiencing the joy of having her grand daughter living with her...she is one lucky little girl. Cathy, hoping that Dan and Kat get good jobs soon...haven't visited your site the last couple of days...will do that tomorrow...hoping to see that they are working. How are Gabby and Hans the wonder dog? Blessings my friend. Enjoy every single moment.
That's about it for tonight...0530 comes early so I will say good night. God bless you all and dear Lord...please bless our troops with your love and protection.

Day of remembrance.

We all know that today was an unhappy and tragic anniversary for our nation, but more importantly for those who lost loved ones on 9/11.

It has changed our lives forever...may we never forget those who were lost and the innocence that was lost for our entire nation.

God bless America, our leaders and those who protect her....

Happiness - Inside and Outside.

As Luke sleeps on the couch in the family room, Veronica is sleeping in Laurie's old room and Scott is asleep in his room, Ron and Lilly are also asleep in our room. Saturday morning and this is Scott's first weekend home after being a way for a year of Saturdays....well, only 3 but it seems like 52. Tina has to work today so the kids spent the night and will be here for the day too and I am smiling inside and out. The picture above is of Veronica hugging her daddy when they were reunited. It's been so good to be able to hug him again....I am a hugger, and so when I say to Scott or Ron that I need to hug them, one says to the other, "do you want to catch this one?" Geesh.

Busy weekend I have...cooking and cutting potatoes for the chicken bbq at church, making 3 pies (2 for church, one for the boys), and getting my posters made and hung for my Sunday School classroom. Tomorrow is Rally Day - 1st day of Sunday School. This year I have thirteen 7th and 8th graders....hmmmm, this should be interesting. Our fall topic will be Identity...Spring will be Jesus. I'll also be spending a bit of time at the BBQ tomorrow, but not all day.

Grandparents day tomorrow too. Another day that Hallmark expects young families to buy things while being on shoestring budgets. (But for all you grandparents, Happy Grandparents Day - job well done.) Tee hee.
May your weekend be blessed. Mine already is - with inside and outside happiness.

God bless our troops and those who love them.

If you could know...

Three weeks ago Scott left to go as far as possible from here and the problems that were plagueing his marriage. Ron and I had tried for nearly a month to talk him out of it but he was determined. And so, I decided to accept it and not be angry with him when he left. It just wasn't in me - when would I see him again? If you could know the pieces of my heart that felt like they would never heal.

As he sat on the bus that night, I watched him through the window of the bus station and oh my arms ached wishing I could get on the bus and hug him again. But I did not cry until after the bus pulled out and I had waved one last time before it disappeared taking my only son with it.

For three weeks, I've been missing him, but getting on with life...I think I described it a couple of posts ago - trying to make life count.

Then, Monday, Scott's plans fell apart and he called Tina and said 'I want to come home - NOW.'

And so, this morning, the arms that have been aching for 3 weeks were wrapped around my son. He is back home - he'll live here with us for awhile until he gets his life back. But to see Luke and Veronica hugging him when they got off their school buses today, well, if you could know the joy in seeing this.

Things are not perfect - there are many issues to be worked out between Scott and Tina - we don't know if they will get back together - but we can hope and we can help them with emotional support and love.

There's always love, isn't there? That love teaches us many lessons - some very painful. But then we start to listen to the Teacher...and we follow His path back home.

Welcome home, Scottie. If only you could know my dear son, how much you are loved.

By your family and by our Lord.

Thank you all for your heartfelt prayers for our family - they have been heard - and are being answered.

I feel like I could sleep for a week - that totally restful sleep that you know comes from peace.

God is so good.

Summer over???

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Day after day, we all have jobs to do. We come from many walks in life - we work each day doing the things God has asked us to do. Outside the home, or as stay at home parents or retirees. Whatever our niche in life is, a rest from the daily routine is welcomed when those rare 3 day weekends come along.
But just as Memorial Day weekend ushers in the summer, so too does Labor Day weekend escort us out. How was your summer? Was it what you hoped for? Did the warm days of sunshine hold true to the plans you had made back in the spring? Back in early March, as I sat here in the family room with my leg elevated and the ice bag ever near my sore and swollen knee, I thought of all the things that we could do this summer. Laurie, Stephen and Kasey would be here, there would be family get togethers with Scott and Tina and Luke and Veronica. It would be a good summer. But of course I could not foresee the things that summer brought. The struggles for Scott and Tina, and their breakup. Scott leaving to go to the other side of the country; and Laurie and Stephen having to sell their new home and move because the Army said so. One of my dearest friends son who is in the sand lost his room mate and co pilot and very good friend. .
No...we do not know what each season will bring. We hope it will bring what we've planned for, but then God knows better and choses something else. It gives us strength and helps us to rely on prayer much more often...and to lean on Him.
And so we will rest on Monday from the work that we do each day. Well, most of us will. For our soldiers, there is never really a day of rest...24/7 they are called upon to do their jobs - a job which at times must seem thankless. But a service with out which we wouldn't know freedom and all it's blessings. This Labor day, thank a soldier even if - no, especially if - it's just a prayer for his or her safety. Maybe not thinking of our own rest as much as thinking of when they will be able to kick their boots off and drink a soft drink...or a beer...and enjoy a hot dog and a scoop of macaroni salad and a slab of watermelon. Now THAT sounds like a fine day for any soldier. God knows they all deserve it.
Summer as we know it may be almost over, but God has many more seasons planned for us. I look forward to spending them with you.
God bless you all with a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Coming to life.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

On Friday morning, my cousin Lynn stood before a crowded church sanctuary and read these words with a sad but believing heart. Her Dad - my Uncle Ken - knew the meaning of them, and the verse that follows..."a time to be born, a time to die." As you know, my dad's brother passed into Jesus' embrace last week after a six year long illness. His illness, though, did not prevent him from continuing to do the good and gracious things for which we will all remember him. And he didn't do these acts of servanthood - as husband, dad, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend - to be verbally remembered as a wonderful man. He did them all to make all of our lives better. His genuine and infectious laugh, the kindnesses he gave to others, the honest enjoyment he got from life. He made his life count. All the while having the assurance of his eternal resting place in heaven when God called him there. Not because of this goodness to others, but because of his faith in the Savior whose death on the cross promises eternal life to all of us who believe.

Making life count - isn't that what we really seek? Not to be heralded as a success, but as faithful. To our families, our friends, and first (not last) to our God.

Yesterday was Scott's birthday - it was kind of a blah day, but I was determined to make it count. When we finally reached him, he sounded a little bit down, first birthday away from home and all, but he was going to spend the day with new friends - that in itself is a blessing. I'd sent him a small box and a card - more will go out this week. I think a corner was turned yesterday - and as Cathy mentioned in one of her comments to me recently: 'things will get easier, but you know that.'

Yes, Cathy, I do know that. And while I am waiting for it to actually get easier, I find that it provides an opportunity to come to life. To make life count. Every day.

In less than two years, I will be retired so I don't have too much time left at work to make things count. I try to do that every day, but some days it's easier than others, and on those "other" days, at least it's not for lack of trying.

This week will be a busy one - our office staff is shrinking rapidly. A promotional exam was offered a few months ago and now all who took the exam are being interviewed for new jobs. Great for them, not so great for our office because the replacement and training process is a long one. What will be will be - and it will all be fine. I love a challenge. (within reason :).

Laurie and Stephen and Kasey are moving this week - courtesy of the Army. Further away, but they have a plan and will do as they always do - go with the flow. I bought them a wall hanging at the county fair a few years ago. "Home is Where the Army Sends Us." It goes from one home to another, and hangs proudly in each new kitchen. This will be the fifth kitchen it's been displayed in.

To our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, home seems far away. And in the homes where their loved ones wait, home is incomplete. But overseas, and here in our nation, God is with us. All at the same time. Giving courage and faith and hope to all of the hearts calling out to Him.

And during all His seasons of time, we are embraced by the goodness of His love.

Embraced by Jesus.

My uncle Ken passed away last night - he was 76, my dad's second youngest brother, and an awesome man. But God in His grace and mercy called him to be there with Him and out of the pain and suffering Uncle Ken was experiencing here. The older I get, the more I realize that this is what we are all looking forward to - the Hope we have in eternity. Of course, we all would like to live long lives, see our kids and grandkids grow up and be happy. Uncle Ken realized all of this, and is resting now with Jesus.
And on another note...14 soldiers died today in Iraq. My friend Wendy, well her son is a pilot over there and the sinking feeling our military mom sisters felt with this news was felt by many. But then, as quickly as the fear came, so too did our faith. And the meaning of Paul's "prayers without ceasing" was ever clear. I pray that these soldiers also knew the embrace of our Lord much stronger than their fear.
Wendy - God be with you today as you wait to hear from your soldier. He is OUR soldier too.
And may He comfort all those families today receiving the visits and hearing the news a military family fears most. You are not alone - I promise you. And your soldier will never be forgotten.
Peace, my friends.

Old habits die hard.

It's been five days since Scott left and old habits seem to die hard. He still calls us every night. I'm not sure if he needs the connection or if he thinks WE need the connection but he's learned that talking to mom and dad isn't a bad thing at all. He doesn't seem to think of it as obligatory. And that means a lot. He calls because he wants to talk to us. That's a cool thing, don't ya think?
Ron's not in a good place with all of this right now - men see things differently. Oh, don't get me wrong - Scott wasn't right in what he did. But a mom's heart never gives up - never stops believing in her child. And a Christian mom never stops trusting that her child is in God's hands.
The weekend was difficult - Veronica was here a lot and to look at her, well it's like looking at her daddy when he was 3 - their expressions, mannerisms, and everything about their faces are mirror images of one another. Scott was always off on Saturday and we'd spend time together. We really missed him this past weekend and since his birthday is this weekend....hmmm, that won't be too much fun either. But he is happy and healthy, so I am thankful for that. It will be a different kind of birthday (or "birth" day) for us all.
The work week is going to be a busy one for sure - classes begin next Monday - another fall semester underway. They go fast - I have the semesters til my retirement counted. Five - count them, five, well actually five and a half. I don't have the number of days counted out yet. Teehee.
And then we can travel to see the kids whenever we feel like it. I like the thought of that.
In the meantime, the phone calls will continue - To Laurie and Stephen and now to Scott too. Need to share the calls because the long distance bills won't be easy if we don't.
Thanks for listening - praying that your Tuesday (or whatever day you are reading this) will be blessed.
God bless our troops and those who wait.

Leaving the light on.

Sometimes, when I think of all the things my mom and dad did for us as kids, one of the nicest and comforting things was that they left the porch light on for us when we were out at night. It made it so much easier for our friends dads and moms to find the house late at night - we could always say, 'There! It's the one with the light on.'
Scott left last night with a one way ticket headed west. It wasn't an easy time but I didn't cry at the bus station. God knows there have been tears enough to fill an ocean - no, make that TWO oceans - the past several weeks. But in the end, although he is leaving home and family, this trip will be something that will make a profound difference in his life. I can't explain it - wish so bad that I could, just know that he will be back after he figures things out. A mom knows these things - not because she is fooling herself into thinking this, she just knows.
And so, that light will be burning - not in the literal sense but figuratively. The light of hope doesn't go out when your kids are out of sight - it's just that you miss them so much that it feels like it will never shine again.
He just called - the usual nightly phone call, but oh tonight it was anything but ritual. He had adventures to share about the trip...said that I packed so many chocolate chip cookies that he shared them with other travelers. :) Dear Lord, I miss him so. But the light is brighter than it was an hour ago. And it was a good way to end the day.
In a little while, when I finally get some sleep, I will be thanking God for the night light He gave me with Scott's phone call. If I wake in the darkness, it'll be ok. Really it will.
Thank you Jesus.
God bless our troops.

I wonder if God is trying to tell me something?

It's been over a week since I've been here...and trust me when I say that the week hasn't been an easy one for any of our family members. In a few days, Scott will be gone - across the country and about as far away as he could get.
This morning's epistle lesson was from Hebrews 11 - the faith chapter. Verse one:
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
I guess God is trying to tell me something because He brought that verse to mind a few weeks ago when Scott's plan first came to light. There have been tears enough to fill an ocean, angry words spoken, loving words spoken as well.
And now, the week looms ahead...well, it looks waaay too rough but it's a path we have to travel because as someone once said, time marches on.
And so, both of our children will be farther away than I'd ever imagined. Ron and I will do our utmost to keep Scott in the picture for Veronica - and we will be praying that somehow it will all work out.
Then of course there is another scripture verse from Romans 8:28 -
'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.'
I think it's been a long time since Scott has had a conversation with God - but his mom has been in daily touch from the moment I knew we were going to have a child all those years ago. Now "daily" touch isn't enough and so I will work on that every moment of every day for the rest of my life - however long God ordeigns that will be.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and for being with me in this journey. Any military mom knows that the road we travel needs to be taken one day at a time. When I wrote my very first post more than 13 months ago, I said that it's not just about the soldiers - but about their siblings as well. It's never an easy path - no matter what. But it's also never a journey we take alone.
Thanks for the company.
God bless you - and God bless our troops.

Face it.

My last post told you about Scott and Tina - their struggle, and of course the ripple effect on this mother's heart. It's not getting any better, and they've made the decision to separate. Scott has, in fact, accepted a job out of state and will be leaving in a week or two. It's so hard to imagine Scott not being here...impossible to imagine that no one will answer when Veronica calls out for "dadee." But he isn't leaving to abandon her, this is something he has agonized over and yet feels that he must do.
And I am facing it - (she says with conviction). Well, at least I am coming to terms with it. As I have told Ron...and my dearest friends...when Laurie left for the military 9 years ago, I thought I was going to die. For a whole year, as she was on delayed entry, all I could think about was that Laurie was leaving home. But I didn't die - actually, we have been blessed. She is a very happy young woman - a wife, and a mom, and oh yes, a soldier too. And so I need to remember that as Scott prepares to move across the country. I will not die. My heart might crumble in a few spots, but I will be ok. Eventually. Because Scott will be ok, and he won't be gone forever. I have a friend Cathy who lost her son last year. She blogs and I know that some days she gets through by putting one foot in front of the other and trusts the Lord to keep them on the path. She has a mountain top faith and she is very honest about missing her son. We don't know if the hurt will ever go away, but we know that He is working on our hearts every moment of every day to make it better.
A good friend of mine passed away this weekend. She was 80, the mom of one of my dearest friends, and a sister in Christ. She has suffered a long time and so deserves the Victory feast that she's enjoying now. I'll miss her, but knowing where she is now, it would be selfish to want her back. I cannot imagine anything in this world greater than seeing face to face what, as Paul wrote, we only see dimly now.
Times like these happen to us all - sometimes it seems like everything happens at one time...or one thing after another. They often seem like a bitter pill to swallow. I know the feeling.
Each and every day though, God helps me to remember what He asked His Son to do. His Son who had never sinned, never did an unkind thing, only worked and lived, taught and ministered to throngs of people who would eventually be the ones to help nail Him to the cross. Jesus. He asked to be spared that cup - and yet prayed that His Father's will be done. In church this morning I ate the body and drank the blood of Jesus...not a bitter pill, but rather redemption because by God's grace, I have faith in this man Jesus. A saving faith - however tiny on those really really bad days, He has ordained that it is big enough.
And, also by God's grace, we are given the blessing to bear all things through Christ. To face it and be reconciled to these things He asks us to bear. For we do not bear these burdens alone.
This faith that He has given us - well, it keeps the light on in our hearts and helps us to wait for the answers to our prayers. We know that, in His time, each one will be answered.
God bless our troops and those of us who wait.
Sue

Substance.

"Now Faith is the substance of all things hoped for; the evidence of things unseen."
Hebrews 11:1

It's been five days since I've been here - oh I've been here and tried to post, (there are three drafts that I have to get rid of) but for the situation our family is in, every time I started to type, the words felt terribly inadequate. Last night, I was emotionally drained and knew that nothing would sound right so I did an online jigsaw puzzle and went to bed. And prayed myself to sleep.
You see, two of our children, Scott and Tina, are having a very rough time of it and I feel so helpless. My prayers feel so feeble. I literally sobbed all the way home yesterday, and "talked it out" with our Father. Some days I can do the work thing, travel to and from work and not cry a single tear. Then there are days like yesterday when I crossed out many of the things on my to do list (accomplished), but barely managed to get to the car after work before I just let it out. In the end, when I got home, there was just sadness and helplessness.
And still, when I think of the above Scripture verse - one which I memorized years and years ago, I am assured of one thing. God, in His divine wisdom, has given us the knowledge that try as we may, it's not up to us. Not at all. BUT, He doesn't prevent us from insisting that it is in our hands. It's the human nature thing. That's what gives our faith the truest test. Back and forth, back and forth - You can take it from me, God...no wait, not yet. We say we are strong in our faith and yet, we don't trust it all to Jesus. I love Jesus, but it's so darned hard to trust Him with these things. Oh I do trust my eternity to Him, and wouldn't you think that I could trust to Him the most precious blessings God has given to me - my children - as well? When Laurie and Stephen were deployed, I think most people at work were surprised that I wasn't a basket case. Well. at least not on the outside. It was because, once I got through the initial terror and anxiety, I realized that THEY were trusting that I was trusting them to the Lord...and rarely did I take them back from Him. I did occasionally, but mostly I knew that wouldn't do any good at all - especially for the kids.
And now, when the tears have been shed (and there will be many more I am sure) , and the disbelief becomes reality, and every moment throughout, there will still be the comfort of Hebrews 11:1 - God's Word and my faith through God's grace. He's gotten me 60 years into this life, so who am I to let things change now?
His grace - more and more He is teaching me that it is sufficient for us all. I just need to remember that from moment to moment on each and every day.
May our troops - and those who wait - feel His love and strength and may it give them courage.
Blessings my friends.

Little things mean a lot.

Well, we are slowly getting used to the fact that Kasey took his mommy and daddy home yesterday. But oh, getting up this morning was tough. No little feet running in the house shouting the things that 2 year olds like to shout first thing in the morning when mommies and daddies are still trying to catch those last 40 winks. No good morning hug from Laurie. Most of you know what I mean. When we got home from the airport yesterday, I walked around the house looking for the little things they usually leave behind. A sock or bib or toy. No deal - Laurie packed EVERYTHING. Kasey packed all his toys - he was so cute running around the house the other night - gathering all of his cars and trucks. The books and magazines that he arranged on the coffee table in the family room to serve as the race course for his cars are still exactly where he left them. When I dust the table next week - I will have to move them, but next week is soon enough. The room that Laurie and Stephen slept in is neat as a pin - and Kasey's room...well...it looks like a little boy slept there. This is good. I will leave it that way for awhile yet...and then put it back the way it was before they got here. :(
Today, there is the family reunion at my cousin's cottage. We all decided we should have a cousin's reunion while at my cousin Tina's funeral luncheon. Most of our parents - my mom and dad, and my aunts and uncles, are gone now. But I am really looking forward to seeing my cousins and catching up - got the pasta cooking right now for a casserole of good old fashioned mac and cheese. We are supposed to take a dish to pass, meat for grilling if we want to (not me - with all those yummy pot luck dishes, I can forego the hot dogs), and any alcoholic beverages we would like to take. They will provide the soft drinks - sounds good to me. It's less to carry and to remember one dish and my purse when I leave the picnic is a very easy thing. Ron won't be going with me, but I know where the lake is, so I won't get lost getting out there (she says with confidence).
As I get back into my routine next week, I'll be missing the kids. Little things mean a lot - and even though there weren't any little things left behind, when I go from room to room, oh the memories of yet another wonderful time with my soldiers and their little man.
God bless your weekend everyone, and may He bless our troops.
Sue

Starting to get those "see you again soon" blues.

In just a few days, my little Kasey and his mommy and daddy will be heading out again. Not good for THIS grandma and grandpa - in fact my eyes are tearing up already at the thought of it. SO, what's a grandma to do? Well, this morning we went out for pancakes and eggs, we went to an RV dealer where Kasey went through every RV with an open door (so did all the adults with him). Then we took a slow drive home and stopped for ice cream. The kids - including a very tired Kasey - are up taking a nap right now. I have a turkey in the oven with homemade stuffing and we will have all the trimmings to go with it. Scott and Tina and Luke and Veronica will be coming over as well so this will be holiday meal that we never get to eat together. Veronica will stay the night so she can have some extra time with her cousin. I don't think anybody will get much sleep tonight - and it's perfectly alright with this grandma if I don't sleep two winks. (One wink would be good, though).
As time winds down on this wonderful visit with the kids, I am thinking more and more about the days when my job won't keep us here...a time when we can get in our RV and go wherever God takes us - where Laurie and Stephen happen to be stationed or, God willing, where Scott and Tina and the kids are living. A day when we can say, "see you soon" and know that those words are true - not just an easier way of saying "goodbye."
I'll probably be pretty busy the next few days and may not check in. Just know that I am thinking of you and praying for those you love who serve and for all of the troops - my own two precious soldiers included.
Blessings,
Sue

If it's not one thing, it's another.

Yesterday we went to a State Park about an hour away from us. Took the canoe, the fishing poles, some homemade macaroni salad and some hot dogs. And of course the family went along to boot, including Lilly (she slept like a baby last night and is still sleeping. It will take her days to get over the outing. Funny doggie.
So the kids - little and big - went canoeing and swimming and fishing and had a wonderful time. And grandma just sat and watched and smiled. And played referee with Veronica and Kasey sometimes. They really are cute together.

Got a little sunburn on my face but mostly freckles. :)

This will be a more difficult week than last because the kids are going home. We probably won't see them again until Christmastime - you know the drill if you are in a military family. Hope it doesn't rain today - want to play some more kickball with Kasey in the back yard.

There are other things on my heart this week besides Laurie, Stephen and Kasey returning home. Scott and Tina need to iron things out about a lot of issues - I've tried to stay happy and not let it affect my mood with having Kasey and his mommy and daddy here, but let's face it - I gave birth to two children and one of them is hurting right now. It's something our whole family is feeling. Stephen was the first person I told - we can talk about a lot of things and I am grateful to have that with a son in law. I didn't want the bad news to interfere with their stay, but didn't want to break it to Laurie over the phone. We give her too much bad news on the phone.

If it's not one thing, it's another.
Ron is grocery shopping - yet again. Funny. We were supposed to go to a theme park today but we are having thunderstorms so we are putting it off til tomorrow or Thursday. Yesterday was worth a thousand memories - we have more yet to make.

Thank you, Lord.

Blessings to you my friends.

Complete.

Woke up this morning to a wonderful thing - a full house. Kasey (oh, and his mommy and daddy) arrived this past weekend. We were so anxious for that day to get here...and then it seemed like forever before they got here. But they finally arrived and when we saw Laurie and Stephen, we saw Kasey as well - not being carried, but walking along with his little back pack on wheels. He knew us right away - big grin from ear to ear as soon as he saw Ron and I. And he knew us...oh I said that already didn't I? Well, it's just so great because it's been 6 months since we last saw him and that's a long time in the life of a two year old (almost forever for a grandma and grandpa).

So they are here - and this morning's menu is French Toast. Kasey is sleeping in a big boy's bed now so Laurie's bed is pushed up against the wall and has a quilt stuffed there just in case he moves around a lot. We don't want him to get caught between the bed and the wall. We also bought a bedrail for the other side of the bed so he won't fall out. There is a little potty seat in the bathroom (Sponge Bob Square Pants) (it's been awhile since we had one of those). I must say that Kasey is the perfect example of "snips and snails and puppy dog tails." He is inquisitive and happy and LOVES to play outside and swing on the swing in our back yard (high gamma).

Laurie and Stephen look great. I loved watching them in the back yard last night - with Kasey.

The glow is still there - Laurie just lights up when she is with Stephen. Good for a mom's eyes to see since we live so far apart.

So today is get out the wading pool day - whewwww, sure is hot here. Then we will go to the playground and do whatever else they want to do. Tomorrow Laurie and I will go shopping for food and party stuff for the luau party we are having in the back yard this weekend. It's been awhile since we've had a party - I'd say that it's just about time.

Ask me if I am happy....and thankful too. God has truly blessed us. And absence truly DOES make the heart grow fonder.

May God bless all of our troops - and those who love them.

It may be a few days before I get back here...but all of you soldier moms and grandmas understand.

Blessings my friends.

Sue

On Saturday afternoon, as I was sitting in the garage during the garage sale, I happened to glance at the bookshelves full of books Ron was trying to sell. He belongs to a military book club so there are always plenty of military books lying around. One of them - American Soldier, by General Tommy Franks, I had been meaning to read for about two years - just never got around to it. So, I picked it out of the many books and began reading. It's going to be a page turner.In the prologue, General Franks talks about the beginning of the Afghanistan war against the Taliban which began in October of 2001, and of course, the order he received to move into Iraq in March, 2003. After reading only two or three pages in this book, so many memories came flooding back. Where we’ve been. And where we are today.
My favorite subject in school was American History. Mr. McClure, my teacher, was an awesome guy. He was pretty young, but not a brand new teacher. During that year, I would learn that he was fair, dedicated, and was proud to be teaching the history of our nation. I think maybe that’s where I truly realized the goodness of living in America and stopped taking it for granted as young kids do. We had been through a lot for a young nation. And would go through much more as the years went on.
As the days of that American History class went on, the troops began to build in a country called South Vietnam. A young man in my class would die in battle just a few years later in Vietnam. And a young sailor, whose ship was hit off the coast of Vietnam, would someday be my husband - and would instill the pride he has for our country in our daughter Laurie, and she would become the first of two stars in the blue star banner hanging in my window. She would bring us to know what pride is all about - not just our pride in her and Stephen as their parents, but pride in all who serve. And thanks for those who serve beside them.
Fast forward to July 4th, 2007. Our nation has come through 9/11, and we still battle those who think terrorism is far better than freedom. But our young people - men and women alike - continue to fight for this nation born from 13 colonies and a group of men and women just as willing to stand up for Independence.
They are the ones - past and present - who we celebrate this day - and the ones we mourn for in their sacrifices made.
America, America, God shed His grace on thee.
God bless our troops.

Mugs anyone?

Well, I got home from my dr.'s appt. today and Ron and Veronica were happy to see me. Ron was especially happy to see me since he was plum tuckered out from playing with the toys Veronica had brought. Since he had been working in the garage all afternoon, pricing the garage sale stuff, he was in the garage sale mode...always thinking about getting rid of more stuff.

So he tells me that on the top shelf of the cupboard where I keep all my mugs, there are some "teapots and things" that I should look at as possible garage sale "stuff." So, after a 12 hour day, me and my tired knee (teehee - adds to the drama, doesn't it?) climbed the stool and checked out the cupboard. I was astonished!! The "stuff" he wanted me to part with are antiques that belonged to his mom, passed down from her mom. Three genuine pottery pitchers - two small, one larger - (it's my syrup pitcher) - and another hand painted porcelain pitcher. I think it was used for gravy because it has a porcelain cover to it as well. There were teapots that I got as wedding gifts which I do use occasionally, but usually I just plop a teabag in a mug if it's just me having a cup of tea (as I did a few minutes ago).

And I said "HUH? You want me to sell these in a garage sale??"

They will go to Laurie - in fact when they visit, she is going to see all the stuff we are bringing out on our next road trip. I have the Noritake china which Ron sent to his mom when he was in the Navy and stationed in Japan - service for 12 with all the serving dishes and a huge teapot as well. It's beautiful and Laurie is excited that I am giving it to her. I made her get permission from Stephen because they are not pack rats - but she doesn't have a set of china so I think this will be good. Needless to say, the "stuff" in the cupboard is still there.

Which brings me to the subject of this post. My mugs are getting out of control. The problem is, they all have a memory attached to them. There's the very delicate mug which is pink on the inside and white on the outside with pink rosebuds. This is the very first mug the kids got me when they were little and were able to finally pick out a Christmas present when Ron took them shopping. After the pink mug, they gave me the mug with the sleepy bear family on the outside - in various stages of waking up. Then there are all the mugs my friends have given me over the years...the mug which had a petunia planted in it and was given to me the first time I met my Military mom friend Chris. Chris lives right up the road from me - and we found each other one night in MMs chatroom...we tried not to give away too much about where we lived but one word led to another and she said..."Sue...are you that family on ____ Rd. that has the two star banner in the window?" And then she told me where she lives - we are a mile and a half away from each other. And so Chris gave me the mug with the flower in it because, as she put it, she always sees Ron puttering around in the garden when she goes by our house.

There is a story behind every mug in my cabinet. I have mugs that I use because one of the kids gave them to me and on a cold winter's night when Laurie feels especially far away and I want to feel closer to her I use one; and there's my mug from a dear friend in Arkansas. That's one of my favorite Saturday morning mugs. So many and yet, I remember each of them and when we got them. There is a mug with a boot on it - that's the one I gave to Ron for our anniversary one year when he was so gung ho about the German movie about a WW II submarine - Das Boot.

So what am I going to do when I have one small cupboard in an RV designated for mugs? Hmmm - certainly they are not candidates for the garage sale. See, there are some people who say - when they open a mug - "oh boy!" That's ok - the last thing some people need is another mug in their cupboard. But me? No, unfortunately I am one of those people who LOVES getting a new mug. This is not good (just ask Ron). SO, until I absolutely must make a decision, I will continue to groan every time I unload the mugs from the dishwasher because it always means that I will be playing a game of musical mugs in the cabinet. Trying to fit them all in - stacking them just so. (Secretly, I really don't mind - in fact I love hearing Ron doing the groaning when he unloads the dishwasher:). Can you identify with any of this at all?

Well, that's it for tonight. As I look at the tag on the teabag steeping in the mug Laurie bought for me at our neighbor's garage sale when she was 5, the memory of her proudly bringing it home to me warms my heart so much more than the warmth of the tea that is in it. She went over there with about 50 cents and came back with a mug and a bowl with a flower on it..and a couple little trinkets. With her unselfish little heart, she joyfully presented the mug and the bowl to me.

Man oh man - I am hopeless, aren't I?

God's blessings to you my friends and may God bless our troops.

Sue

Life's little disappointments.

It's been a busy week since I last posted. Tons of stuff going on at work, you know...programs that you count on to work at the busiest time of the year suddenly have glitches in them...things like that. The announcement was finally made today that the office manager job has been filled. Obviously, the title of this post tells the story - it wasn't me. I was very close to being what the civil service system calls "reachable" but could not be interviewed.

It's ok - the man who got the job will need all the support he can get. It's not an easy job.

So, as I sit here tonight, I realize that it really IS ok. I am a short timer - in less than two years I will be retired and each day I get more excited about that prospect. Not that I don't enjoy my job - I LOVE my job. But now that Ron and I are making our plans for after my retirement, I am thinking about it a lot. At work, I am thinking about how I can leave the job better than I found it. The programs I use each day will no doubt change - maybe even before I leave. And life's little disappointments can become opportunities to make things better. To give suggestions - not complain about what doesn't work, but help to fix it. Know what I mean? When I leave, I'd like to be remembered in a positive way - and I'd like to be missed not just for the job I did, but for who I was while I did it.

Laurie, Stephen and Kasey will be here in just a couple of weeks. We are getting the house all spruced up for their visit and we are planning special outings and special evenings here at home.It will be 2 weeks of bliss for us all - well, maybe not for Stephen since he has to spend 11 days with his in laws. We get along great, though, so I think it will all go well. We had planned on renting a house in the mountains upstate - but the financial end of it didn't quite work out - another disappointment but oh well.

Life isn't about winning the lottery or sleeping til noon; or dining out every night. It's not always a picture perfect house with a white picket fence.

Life is what it is, and there are plenty of blessings and opportunities to enjoy it's goodness. And most importantly to share that goodness. To pray for others, and let them know that you care.

The last few days have been devastating for our troops in the sand. Dear Lord, please guide our President and our military leaders to do the right thing. Many military families are receiving terrible news today.

As we think about all of that, may we be more inclined to realize just what is important in life.

Sue

Friends are the family we meet along the way.

In August of 2002, a great many military moms and dads descended on our area for the first anniversary party of our online support group. Some good friends - cyber friends of course - whom I had never met in person but had been chatting with for months came in from Illinois

for the celebration and they stayed here at the house. We had a great time - but I wasn't very savvy on trying to get us to the places we needed to go. There were detours - real and accidental. But we finally got to our anniversary party and had a wonderful time. At the restaurant, there was a display of patriotic arts and crafts which were for sale. Kimmy, a military mom from Illinois and one of the moms (Linda was the other) staying with me for the weekend and had been in the car as I pleasantly and very efficiently took the most aggravating detours. First I missed the exit from the airport because we were laughing and talking. I don't think they will ever let me forget that. After that it just went downhill and it culminated in getting lost on the way to Niagara Falls. One other lady who had come from Arizona was very unhappy with me. But getting back to the patriotic crafts, Kim bought a placque for me - with a pretty painting of a country scene...a quiet treelined road. And the placque said:

"Friends are the family we meet along the way." Kim added "even on the detours." It was precious - still is. I still think of you and Linda often.

What made me post about this tonight is that today I was cleaning off my kitchen desk - my "nook" as Ron calls it. It has two shelves above it where I put my treasured nick nacks...the little white lamb Laurie painted in Sunday School for me when she was four..it has a heart shaped piece of paper with some yarn strung through it and is around the lamb's neck. On the heart is written...."with love to my mommy from Jesus' little lamb." The heart shaped magnets the kids gave to me - you know - all those little things that need a special place. And on the top shelf, right next to the lamb, is my plaque from Kimmy.

Yes, friends ARE the family we meet along the way - oh my goodness what would I do without the friends God has blessed me with?

I want you to know that I treasure you all. Life does have many detours - but God always brings us back to where I should be. And all along the way...there you are, blessing my life.

I hope that when my kids are my age, they will have this blessing as well.

Thank you Lord.

God bless our troops and those who love them.

Just a PS to add - I remember also, meeting Cathy who showed us how to do the happy dance. I think she is the original happy dancer. Thanks, Cathy.

Fiddler's Green.

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, my friend Wendy's son, Jay, lost his best friend and comrade in Iraq on Memorial Day. His nickname was Tuc - the first initial of his first, middle and last names. Wendy's son was the honor guard for this soldier for the long trip back from the sand - and to be at Tuc's family's side during the viewing and funeral service which was yesterday. Wendy drove to be there to help her son through this time and to honor this young soldier, husband, father, son, friend. There are 6 of us in a tightly knit group of military moms,
three now veteran's moms, the rest of us moms of soldiers still serving. And so Wendy traveled to not only be there for her son, and to pay her respects, but to be there for those of us who couldn't be there. Last night, Wendy wrote the five of us an email, letting us know how sad it was, and yet how proud she was to be there. She described - from beginning to end - the goodbye given to this young man. There is a poem titled Fiddler's Green - Calvary soldiers are required to learn it before they receive their spurs and their stetson. A soldier from Tuc and Jay's rear detachment began to recite it - but couldn't complete it because he was crying. Jay stood up and took the soldier's place - reciting the poem from memory. I am so proud of Jay - and I haven't even met him.
But I know and love his mom - and know that he grew up knowing who God is, to respect others, and eventually, to love and honor the brotherhood and sisterhood of the US military.
I know that most everyone reading this blog has a deep respect for the military - and how costly this war has been. But you see, it's not just about the war, or the political mess that it has created across our nation - indeed, the world.
It's about the people fighting it - the ones who have been there, and those who will yet be deployed. You have to know and love a soldier to truly understand the sacrifice they make. And to understand the fear in a loved one's heart even though you say you trust God.
For those who continue walking in the shoes which Tuc once walked in, we pray for you so much more often than you know. And we thank God for you.
Blessings.

Over tired?

This weekend has been extraordinarily busy. We celebrated Veronica's birthday today - she will be 3 on Monday. Scott and Tina, Luke and Veronica came over today as well as Tina's sister Denise. Chicken on the grill, hot dogs, homemade tuna macaroni salad, cheesy broccoli/rice casserole. We also had our Summerfest going on at church - and although I couldn't be there to help today, there were things I could do to contribute. Baked a couple of apple pies Friday night (and some apple strudel for Ron to keep peace in the house), and then on Saturday morning I went over to church to help peel and slice the 150 lbs. of potatoes for the german potato salad. Then of course there was all the running around for presents and decorations for our mini party today; and a trip to Home Depot to get rugs for Scott's old room - we're getting it ready for Laurie and Stephen. It's a nice shade of "toasted marshmallow" and I just need to finish up the decorating touches - curtains, put the quilt on the bed, finish getting the rest of Scott's old paraphenalia out of the closet. I took an extra day off this weekend so tomorrow I'll finish Laurie's room and start to get serious about preparations for our garage sale we are having in a couple of weeks.

Anyway, I was sitting here at my computer trying to stay awake until 9 o'clock, decided to do a couple of things online, and went to bed because I was exhausted.

Ever have one of those nights when you can barely keep your eyes open and then you go to bed only to find out that you can't sleep? You lie there in the dark, staring at the ceiling that is somewhere above you and then the "think machine" starts.

So here I am - back at the computer. Thanks to the half hour I spent trying to get to sleep, I now have a ton of things on my mind. Work, the kids, the war, all the things that need to be done around here, money - or the lack therof. You know the drill.

How could I have been so tired, and yet be so wide awake? Maybe if I could stop thinking about it, I could get to sleep.

Happy Birthday Veronica - three years old and such a big girl you are getting to be.

Three years ago at this time I was trying to sleep in a cold, air conditioned hospital room with Scott and Tina. Tina slept like a baby as she waited for her induced labor to kick in. Scott had his own worries on his mind - his wife and their baby girl waiting to be born. And me? We won't go there tonight - I have enough on my mind without thinking of what was on my mind in that hospital room three years ago. (everything went well in spite of my worry).

Guess I better just leave everything in God's hands tonight and try to get some sleep.

God bless our troops and those who love them.

Bear one another's burdens.

Words from God's Word in Galatians -

"bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the laws of Christ."

We used to have a caregiver's ministry at our church - we visited shutins, or prepared meals for families experiencing illness or loss. It was easy - back then, not a lot of women worked outside the home - or if they did, somehow their schedule always allowed peeling an extra potato or two and putting it in the pot...extending the potroast dinner for 3 to a potroast for 5 or 6. Chopping a little extra lettuce and adding another tomato and getting that spare bottle of salad dressing out of the pantry. Not a really hard thing to do at all - in fact, caring for others is one of the easiest things in the world to do. If they let you. Sometimes people (we) bottle everything up - let it stay inside instead of letting others see that they (we) are hurting or are needing help and encouragement.

What makes them (us) do that? Is it pride? Fear of "letting someone in?"

Sometimes the most difficult step we take in a crisis situation is asking someone for prayers or for help. But for those of us who have taken that step, the relief is immense because it means we are not standing by ourselves - there are others with us at the foot of the cross and God is hearing their prayers too. Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray...and wait for His answers. When my cousin Tina was ill, many of us flocked to an online care page set up by her family - for updates, encouraging news, and to be thankful for the prayers of others for this same wonderful lady we all loved. His answer for us was not the answer we prayed for - but it was one which brought Tina eternal peace and rest in Christ.

Encouragement and friendship - hope for the fellowship of believers.

Sometimes I don't know what to say to someone who is ill, or grieving, or lonely; worried or afraid, angry or upset. It sometimes feels so inadequate to say "I'll keep you in my prayers - as if my feeble prayers are going to change the situation. On the contrary, what will change things are not my prayers but His answers.

My heart prompts me more and more these days to pray for our military. Not just because of my own two dear soldiers - but, Dear God, for all of our armed forces. For their fears to be calmed so that their minds will be on the mission and not on the unknown waiting for them; so that their faith and courage would constantly be with them so that their resolve may be stronger than that of the enemy.

Dear Lord, help us to encourage one another in all circumstances - but also help us to be willing to share the burdens you've asked us to bear. It lets our faith be strengthened as we stand together at the foot of your cross.

On a clear day, you can see forever..

Ok, I am showing my age, but if any of you remember Robert Goulet, then you remember him singing that song. It's one of my all time favorites.

How I wish that I had more clear days - some days are a blur from start to finish. Up early, off to work, busy busy busy, then the commute home. Some days, Veronica and Luke come over while Tina works for a little while during the dinner hour; or other evenings a meeting at church will round out my day. Then it's bed time and I wonder where the time has gone and if the next day will bring the same busy-ness. Robert Goulet had a wonderful idea there when he belted out his song. The words were beautiful and the concept was great - but, standing on the stage, he could see a lot further than we can.

Recently, one of the soldiers I love - the son of one of my friends - lost his best friend and comrade in Iraq. Their unit only had about three months more on their deployment - they've been there nearly a year already. And so, they were beginning to look past the war and starting to see home, their families, safety. But that clear day they could almost see, ended tragically.

We don't know what God has in store for any of us. We begin each day thinking that it's another adventure - another time of living and learning and feeling blessed. But each day, I pray that instead of seeing the busy-ness and the routine, God will help me to see (clearly) the blessing in all that is going on around me. And that I will help others see it as well. The joy of waking up on a late spring morning and feeling the early morning sun on my face as I walk from my car to the office And thankfulness that He has healed my knee so quickly and completely that I can enjoy that walk-that having to walk a little bit is a blessing and not a burden. I also appreciate the busyness of a work day because that means He has provided me with a good paying job PLUS friends to spend my workday with. And always, to be able to come home to a husband whom I love more than he could possibly know - and that this love is mutual. My family and friends - seeing His love for me is at work constantly through them.

Clear days are a wonderful thing - but forever is a long time. I know that God has given me forever in His Son Jesus, but each single day is good enough to look forward to - because I know that His path for us is perfect. Not always smooth, but it's perfect.

What does God hold in store for me? For you? For those you love?

A simple abundance called life. I pray that this day holds many good things for you.

Blessings my friends,

Sue

Life is what it is.

I found out today that I might not have that chance at the promotion after all. In the Civil Service system, an employer has to work off of an eligibility list based on exam grades. Mine was good - but not quite high enough to make the first cut. So if someone in the pool of interviewees wants the job and is qualified, the new person is chosen from that group. I must admit that I was hoping I'd get the job - it would mean a sizeable pay raise but more importantly than that, my retirement income would be higher. It's ok though - I'm not giving up - just not going to get my hopes up. I have a wonderful job that pays very well - that won't change, nor will my love for my current job change diminish.

Someone said to me today, "life is what it is." Oh, how true.

I'd like to ask for your prayers for some people I love - a military mom, Wendy, and her son Jay. Jay's room mate, mission mate, and his best friend were killed on Monday in Iraq when a soldier was killed in action. This brave soldier leaves behind a young wife and two little children.

Dear God be with them and with the families of all who have lost their lives - it's been a terribly costly month over there.

In just a few weeks, Laurie, Stephen and our little Kasey will be here for a good visit. We are sooo looking forward to this-it's been nearly 6 months since we've seen them. I don't do well with long separations.

Tomorrow is another day - another chance to do things the way God would have me do.

With its ups, and downs; its blemishes, and its sweet goodness....life is what it is. Precious.

Be blessed my friends.

Letters from home.

This is going to be a long one.

Ok, today I decided it was a good day to tackle Laurie's room. It has two dressers in it - both filled with clothes she no longer wears and I have her blessing to either sell them in our garage sale next month, give them to the Good Will, or put them out at the curb. It's not an easy task when you're a mom walking down memory lane and trying to be objective. "NO, you CAN'T keep that Susan - it won't fit you, and it doesn't fit Laurie, and Veronica won't grow into it for 10 years at least." I said that over and over again today as I went through those dressers. Despite my emotions, I was able to sort the clothes into the three piles I had planned. Then I went through each pile again and finally decided I was done sorting. Not bad, I thought, except for the fact that I could remember Laurie wearing every single thing I had sorted. Then I got to the prom dresses in the closet...not a good thing. I had already used all the kleenex I'd brought upstairs with me - luckily there were some up there besides.

Then I got to her bookcase - this put me over the edge. As I looked at the little piles of pictures Laurie had taken over the years, I glanced at the pictures and then at the clothes all sorted on the bed. You guessed it - the prom dresses, the skirts, the ecru colored dress I bought her when she played first flute at the marching band concert at school - all of them in the pictures...all of them on the bed, now neatly folded and ready, hopefully, for someone else to wear.

And finally, there were the boxes and the duffel bag under her bed. Now, you must understand that everytime the kids visit and I am cleaning the rooms for them, these boxes and duffel bag come out from under the bed so I can dust. Then, because of course we are always too busy to think about it when the kids are here, they always are forgotten. So today was the day I had to look at the contents - garage sale, good will, or curb?

None of the above.

There, neatly stored, were the contents that I hadn't expected to see. Letters. Probably dozens and dozens of letters addressed to Laurie at various places and addressed to several different ranks - but all of them addressed to Laurie. PV2 Laurie at basic and AIT training, SPC Laurie at the post she spent three years at, and finally, SGT Laurie. She must have saved every letter we ever sent. I read some of them - and as I read them, I could actually remember writing them. There were the letters I wrote to her when she was in basic and AIT - when Ron's mom was living here and terminally ill with cancer. Those were often written after midnight when I finally was ready for bed and could sit and write a letter. Phone calls were scarce in basic - it kept us connected and I think it helped me miss her just a tiny bit less to know that she would be reading it in a couple of days. Laurie told me after her basic training that there was one time when she was feeling pretty worn out and afraid that she wasn't going to pass her final PT test. She said that she sat at her locker and read all of the cards and letters Ron and I had sent...and she said she knew that we were praying for her and she felt at peace.

I guess what I'm saying is that you never know when a letter from home - or a letter to from someone who cares about you - is going to really be important.

When I finish Laurie's room tomorrow night after I get home from work, I will dust under her bed again, and push those boxes and duffel bag back where I found them. If she kept them, then they will stay there for now. When we sell this house, she will have to make the decision. But for now, her letters from home are keepers.

That makes me smile.

God's blessings.

A weekend of remembrance.

A holiday weekend - for most of us, it will mean enjoying that extra cup of coffee at home in our pjs on Monday when we would normally be commuting. Or, being able to sleep just a little bit later than 5:30 am. If most of us are honest, we have been thinking about this long weekend all week long.

It's ok - we're supposed to think that way. Long weekends are meant to be enjoyed -right? And yet, we enjoy this extra day off not because WE have earned it, but rather others have earned it for us through their sacrifice.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer - the first picnic of the year, the first camping weekend, or putting the boat or canoe in the water for the first time...all of these things happen on Memorial Day weekend. I can remember our family picnics with my parents and sisters - we'd meet at a park with my grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins. Oh the potato salad and macaroni salad; the hot dogs and burgers...and the desserts....yum.

And it was a time for buying geraniums and visiting the cemetaries where my great grandparents and other loved ones were laid to rest.

The most memorable part of that visit was the drive past the Field of Honor, where row upon row of American flags waved proudly marking the final resting place of those who had served our country. When I was little, I knew that the flags commemorated the military - but it became more meaningful as I got older. I thought about who they might have been - were they sons or daughters; moms or dads; husbands and wives? Were they in your circle of friends? The boy or girl next door? They likely enjoyed a Memorial Day picnic with THEIR families, and perhaps saw flags waving row upon row - and were inspired to serve.

Whoever they were, I pray they know that the freedom they fought and died for is still alive. Throughout wars of the past...and the present, they have been asked to sacrifice a great deal - too often, ALL they had to give. And they will never be forgotten.

May God be ever near as we take this weekend to remember those who fell serving our nation. May we be forever grateful to them - and to those who serve today.

Conversation has changed....

Well, you know how gung ho we've been in the Western NY area about our Buffalo Sabres ~ it's all we talked about - around the water cooler, in the grocery store, anywhere we went. All you would see were Sabres flags flying from cars, magnets and posters all over the place. In any given crowd, at least one third of the people were wearing the Sabres blue and gold.
Today, the talk was still the Sabres...but it wasn't the anticipation of tonight's game. It was the disappointment about this past Saturday's game...and how we lost the series. The Ottawa Senators beat us in overtime and it's time for our Sabres to pick up the golf clubs instead of the hockey sticks. We were favored this year to win it all. It's ok - we'll get over it. We always do.
Four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills..."wide right" was the closest we ever got to a win. Last year our Sabres got this far as well...and didn't win.
So, even though on Saturday we were all heart broken, by this morning most of us were already looking forward to next year. The team will be different - 6 guys on our team have contracts expiring...even our coach and the general manager have contracts expiring this year.
Sigh.
The one thing I always enjoyed in the morning was our talk radio station - the announcer always said it was the voice of Buffalo to our soldiers in Iraq who were following the Stanley Cup playoffs. And every morning a soldier in Iraq from the Buffalo area would say he or she was cheering on the Sabres. I'll miss that too.
A fellow at work brought in a football this morning - it was funny how he broke the ice. None of us had talked about Saturday's loss until he came in with the football. It was the laugh we needed to get us started. So now, I guess we'll have to start talking about the Buffalo Bills. Training camp starts in just about a month...and by the time football season is barely a month old, the hockey season (we call it the road to the cup) will begin again for us believers.
It was a great ride we had - but I'm staying on the bandwagon - 'cause you just never know.
Blessings,
Sue

Puppies!!

Awhile back, Kbug posted about her new puppies. I enjoyed the fact that her son asked her to take care of his puppy until he was able to take it home with him. Puppies are a wonderful thing. There is so much love wrapped up in those little bodies - and so much fun to look forward to. When we adopted Lilly last August, she was still a puppy who had traveled a long way in her short life. She'd had 9 puppies already, been in two different shelters and had given all that was in her to keep those puppies sustained. She had sacrificed nearly all of her own strength in giving it to her puppies. We have a wonderful veterinarian who has an excellent and loving staff (they all cried with us when we had to have Shelby put to sleep last May) and with patience and excellent care and some tlc on our part, Lilly pulled through. She is a loving and very wonderful doggie.

A few months ago, Scott and Tina adopted a terrier mix - adorable, but feisty. They named her Cupcake. Finally, she is calming down and seems to be getting along famously with their 3 cats. (shaking my head here at the thought of that :). But on Sunday, Tina told me that they had adopted another puppy - a long haired Dachschund mix. This will be Luke's puppy and he will take care of her. (that remains to be seen cause he is only 9, but his intentions are good). Her name is Muffin. So they have a Cupcake, a Muffin, and then the cats...Skittles, Rocky, and Starburst...all living under one roof. Just one big happy family...(oh my gosh). I can't wait to meet their newest addition - they just make my heart melt and all the thoughts of the work go right out the window. (But I sure am glad Lilly is trained).

At times we hear stories about US Military units in Iraq adopting homeless puppies or kittens...what a joy that must be for all of them - including the puppy. And nothing brings more joy to the heart of a nursing home patient than a soft, furry little puppy.

They sure do bring lots of love into so many lives. Yup...they are a good thing.

Blessings my friends.

And Monday through Friday went WHERE?

This week seems to have vanished int0 thin air. I remember vaguely thinking about posting something on Tuesday or Wednesday but I guess it's pretty obvious it went no further than that. I haven't visited anyone else's blogs (sorry) and it seems the only computer time I've logged is processing summer financial aid for our students. That's not good either...except for the students.
The week has been beautiful in terms of the weather here in WNY and as our students saw the end of classes for the 2006/07 academic year, we saw moms and dads parked two and three deep in front of the dorms as they moved Johnny or Susie out for another year. In late August, many of those same moms and dads will be there again, hauling everything back up to the dorm for the 07/08 year. It's quite amusing watching these students (and their parents). Students are still into the social scene with their friends - gathered on the sidewalk in groups of 2 or 3
(or 8 or 10) as the parents keep dragging the student's belongings to the car. As the parents ask questions of the student, some students just kind of act like it's an inconvenience to answer their mom's or dad's questions. Funny - some things never change.
As the students leave in various numbers during the last week of school, according to their exam schedule, our combined staff and student parking lots empty out as well. So on Thursday, feeling great about the weather, and feeling truly blessed about the healing process in my knee, I decided it was time to vacate the handicapped spot and start walking from the parking lot. Because I get to work by 7:30 each morning, I can usually find a spot in the nearest lot across the street from our buildings. It's not much of a distance at all, but has many spots of uneven cement (also known as Sue's enemy number 1 :). So, although I am not into power walking yet, it's a good feeling to be out of the handicapped spot and back into exercising a bit more. You'd have to "walk in the shoes" to understand what it means.
This weekend, we are getting our travel trailer ready to sell. Ron thinks we can get more by selling it to someone now than by trading it in when we buy our fifth wheeler when I retire. It's in great shape, is very clean, and since it's only 4 years old, we are hoping it will sell pretty quick. I'll miss the camping this summer - it's so nice just to get away from it all but practicality kind of rules right now.
One thing hasn't changed since I last posted. Our soldiers are still in harm's way and loved ones are still getting the most dreaded visits. It's hard for me to put into words how I feel about the war, but I know how I feel about our military - and about the anxiety we all feel as their parents. As more and more families are receiving that tragic news, I wonder what it must have been like in past wars...when loved ones didn't hear from their soldiers for months...sometimes years..at a time, and then received a telegram from the War Department. It must have been horrible for them. Today, though, we are at least blessed with the possibility of phone calls and emails from our kids over there...I don't know what we would have done when Laurie and Stephen were deployed had it not been for emails and phone calls. This Mother's Day weekend, I am praying so hard that all military moms can receive a phone call or email from their loved one serving. We feel so blessed to have our two soldiers stateside - and we know that it's not guaranteed that they won't be deployed again. But still, Ron and I are so thankful.

Someone just knocked on the front door...Ron went to the door and it was a little boy...his dad was in a white van out front. The little boy handed Ron his delivery and said "tell her Happy Mother's Day." It was a beautiful vase of fresh flowers from Stephen, Laurie and Kasey. The card said..."Happy Mother's Day, hope you have a great day...WE MISS YOU."
I am still bawling.

That truly does just about make the week for me - it will be complete tomorrow when Scott and Tina and Veronica and Luke come over for dinner and we call our soldiers so that everyone has the chance to chat.

May God bless all moms this weekend...and the children we love far more than they know. And who also love us more than we could ever know.

Life is a blessing.

A Tale of Two Cities,

WHOA...I've really been AWOL. I've been busy at work and at home and with lots of stuff for church. It was Laurie and Stephen's birthdays last week so needed to shop and get their packages out on time (and of course un-birthday presents for Kasey). They'll be here in only two months and already, I am getting the house ready - getting the heavy stuff done so that I won't have to blitz the house two days before they get here like I always do.

And of course, there has been playoff hockey. Hence my tale of two cities post title today.

Our Buffalo Sabres managed to get past the NY Islanders in the first round - it took only 5 games.

The second round was a little more difficult - it took one of those heart attack finishes on Friday night and then an excellent win today in NYC to beat the Rangers in 6 games. New York, New York and Buffalo...two cities, at different ends of Interstate 90 and with lots of differences. NYC is big and has many sides to it...and many claims to fame. The Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Greenwich Village. Fifth Avenue, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And, God bless them, 9/11/2001.

Buffalo - hmmm, well we don't have all of that but we have our own claims to fame. Wide right; No goal; Niagara Falls (well, that's almost in Buffalo); America's Fair (largest county fair in the US); we have beautiful state parks practically in our backyard, and we are a great place on a great lake. We had an October storm that put the power out for days and weeks and yet as always - as we did after the Blizzard of 77 - we bounced back.

We're a little smaller market than a lot of NHL or NFL teams, we believe (and so do the SABRES and the BILLS) that we have the greatest fans in the world. We're a blue collar city, with a big dream...and we believe.

Yup, many differences; but many things unite us as well. First and foremost, 9/11. Not to mention the many many people who came through the lines at Ellis Island, many of whom would eventually find their way to Buffalo. Our cities both have rich, ethnic histories which helped shape what our cities have become.

A tale of two cities? I guess you could say that. But later this week, when our Conference final series with the Ottawa Senators begins, I have a feeling this other city I've been talking about will be routing for us.

I think it's a philosophy called: "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

We'll see.

God bless your week my friends (and if I may add: Good luck to the blue and gold!).

Sue