Yellow Ribbons.

Remember when the war first began? And do you remember the yellow ribbons that adorned the trees of at least one yard on every block on every street in America? Even into the 2nd year of the wars - Afghanistan and Iraq - yellow ribbons were an important part of the landscape of so many homes. Is it me, or is there a lack of those nowadays? Have we become so "conditioned" to the state of war that we don't fly those ribbons any more...or am I missing them? On the way home tonight we went past a home in a very nice subdivision - it was a corner home. Even though the winter landscape from today's weather made things look pretty scary (60 mph winds)and kind of bleak, the yellow ribbons flying from every tree on the property and from the light posts on the front door brought out different emotions as we passed by. First, that someone the owners of that home love is overseas. Secondly, that no matter how difficult today's weather has been, the environment is a lot more friendly than the soldier for whom those yellow ribbons fly is experiencing right now. And, of course, there were silent prayers for that family and the man or woman in whose honor those yellow ribbons are flying.

When Laurie and Stephen were deployed, I bought yellow ribbon from the local craft store - the prettiest yellow I could find, and not exactly the cheapest - and tied bows on every tree in the front yard and also from the light fixture by the front door. Tears streamed down my face as I put them up - and prayers were constant on my heart. Laurie came home first, but those ribbons stayed up until Stephen's post deployment leave. On the day they arrived here, I asked them to remove the ribbons together...and I cried with gratitude that I had them both right here.

In a few months, I will make a trip back to that very same craft store and once again buy yellow ribbon. It lies heavy on my heart - and yet I am soooo trying not to think about it. Trying to live in the moment as they say, and not look too far ahead. It's not God pleasing to worry about the things that are coming - or that mankind tells us may be coming - is it? I will answer my own question. No it isn't. But when you love a soldier - or two soldiers - it's easier said than done. You who have loved ones in the military - well, you understand. And those of you who don't have loved ones serving, you are with us and it is so important to us.

I needed to stop at the craft store today to look for some paper and things for a storybook I am writing for Kasey's birthday...but you can guess what I stayed away from.

Yellow ribbon.

God bless you. And God bless our troops - and those of us who wait.

Running Free

Hello my friends. It's been awhile since I've posted - the days go really, really fast right now because we are training new staff and there just aren't enough hours in the day. Sure is good when I leave work at the end of the day though - and to come home and help Ron with dinner. Monday night he picked me up from work and we ran into some snow on the way home. Finally arriving home, to greet us there was a crockpot full of homemade sauce with chicken in it (thanks to Ron's handiwork, and it smelled wonderful). I made a fresh green salad and we talked about the day as we worked together...the kitchen smelled so good and it was so warm and comforting at the end of a long day. After dinner, being that it was laundry day, I put a few loads of laundry away. Laundry is so cool - especially on Mondays because we usually find a random sock or two from Veronica's stay on the weekend. Little tiny socks that cling to bath towels or stick to the cuff of Ron's jeans. So when I shake out the laundry as I fold it, tiny little pink and white treasures come flying out - never in pairs of course. But I like to imagine those two little tootsies running around in them. The feet never stop. She never walks, so they sure get a workout, those tootsies of hers. They run free every chance they get. A happy sight for this Nana. I smile just thinking of it
The snow continued to fall during the evening on Monday - but fairly light. 1-3 inches is what the weatherman said - Tuesday morning we woke up to 10 inches or so - the trip to work was a real picnic (tongue in cheek humor there). But to see the snow covered trees and grass was like looking at a Currier and Ives painting.
This weekend, Nana and Veronica are baking. It's supposed to snow most of the weekend so we might make our way to the big hill two doors down in our neighbor's back yard. We have a snow saucer just waiting to get christened. Oh my gosh it's been so long since I've been on a snow saucer. Maybe I will think twice about that.
And so, those tootsies that never stop will be running around here again on Friday night and on Saturday morning they will quietly sneak down the stairs to find out who is going to give her a glass of juice (usually it's Papa). Veronica will ask for all the things that she knows she can't have fror breakfast - pickles, cookies, soup. It's a ritual :). Although our weekends are drastically different than they were 6 months ago, we are adjusting quite well to the adventure.
God is so good to bless us with these things - a three year old's tootsies running free in the sox that get washed at the same time...but never show up in the dryer together. Her sweet little voice, and the heart that is happy. It may be different, but I'll take it any day of the week.
Blessings my friends.
God bless our troops - and those who wait.

Part of the flock.

I guess it's starting to sink in that Stephen will deploy again this year - and that the twists and curves of that roller coaster ride will be heating up again. We will also be caring for Kasey if Laurie is accepted in the program she is going for - she and Stephen had us named as designated guardians for their family care contract. Thus is the nature of the military. Many of us know it - it's part of the "drill." And it's part of why I lean on my faith and stay with "the flock."

And although it is always there in our subconscious - right below the surface waiting to remind us in those quiet moments when we think about our future - it's something that we try not to dwell on. Those of you who have walked in the shoes understand - right? Anyway, Stephen won't get his new unit assignment until next month so there's no sense worrying about it now. (she says confidently). The deployment may not happen for a few months yet - and I will definitely let you know when it happens.

How funny (not ha ha funny, but odd funny) that we often think that we can love an "in-law" as much as we love our own children. Laurie just happened to choose a soldier whom we loved from the moment we saw him - because Laurie glows. It gives a mom and dad such a grateful heart - and when I bought the bumper sticker that says "My son is serving in the US Army" I meant it sincerely - didn't even look for a son-in-law bumper sticker cause I love him as my son. When he is deployed, a son is deployed - not my daughter's husband. Thank you, God that he is such a blessing to our family.

This will be another life experience for Kasey to learn about being the child of two soldiers. I pray that God will give me the words and the strength to know what to say when his little heart is missing his mommy and daddy. But he is my little soldier - gritty, determined, typical little boy who at not quite 3 can stand at Parade Rest and has learned that mommy and daddy sometimes have to go away but they will always (please God) return. The Father watches His flock at all times and we are all part of the flock. Unruly and unwilling at times to stay in the pasture but He always reaches out that staff and brings us back in the fold.

For those experiencing deployments now, your loved ones are in my prayers - and we are all waiting for His answers. God bless those you love who serve - I hope you know how much they are appreciated.

This week is going to be a busy one at work, but sometime during the week Ron and I are going to look at RVs....sigh....the search begins again. I could probably tell you the specs on any make or model Fifth Wheeler that is on the market...but the dreaming is fun. Eventually, the dream will be a reality (God willing) and my two star banner will hang proudly in the window of an RV as we travel across the country. This is a good thing.

God bless you - and may His Son shine on your week.

Sue

Happy 2008!!

Good morning friends - Happy New Year!

How did you spend your New Year's Eve? I sat here at my computer most of the night refreshing the screen as the kids traveled home and finally - when I saw that their last flight had landed safely - I just waited for the phone to ring. Ten minutes after the plane arrived at the gate, the phone rang and it was Laurie. "Home" again. A little bitty tear let me down at the airport and Kasey wasn't happy that "Handma and Handpa" were not going on the plane with him. But we told him that we would be visiting him for his birthday very soon.

Their visit was so much fun - Christmas was beautiful - everyone was here including Tina and Veronica - things were almost as though our family isn't going through a separation between Scott and Tina. And Laurie and I had a girls' day out on Saturday - lunch, movie, shopping. I asked Laurie, as we were talking a bit about Scott and Tina and how things didn't work - if she and Stephen are as happy as they appear. How they make it work. And she said, because we understand the way things work, the military life is something we are both accustomed to and something that we understand - it's give and take and understanding separations. It was enough to make a mom cry - how does this 27 year old baby of the family get to be so darned mature? And oh, God, thank you.

Do you have any resolutions for 2008? I have made one or two. The first is a two part (maybe three part) resolution. First, to learn how to say "no." Part two of that is, therefore, to take better care of myself. I am young - at heart - but in chronological years...well, in 2009 I will be at the minimum age to collect social security so I am not a spring chicken. And I want to be able to enjoy retirement when that also happens in 2009. So I will concentrate on what my Supervisor is asking me to do at work - training others on the tasks I do - it will make my retirement a much easier transition for all of us. That is probably part 3 of it all - learn to delegate (huh?).

My second resolution is to not worry as much, which in itself will not be easy to accomplish since 2008 will also be a year when the sandbox is part of our lives as Stephen changes units and is deployed again. This will be a tough one - but a path that we have traveled before and one that hundreds of thousands of families are experiencing even as I type.

I count on the hope that my two old friends - prayer and trust - will be constant companions. That Ron and I can concentrate less on the war, and more on what needs to be done for Laurie, Stephen and Kasey as we all endure this again. This time will be different because Laurie and Stephen have Kasey and he will be missing his daddy. Somehow, I know that our faith and trust will be well placed - God will be with us all.
Whatever plans you have for 2008 - may God bless them. May His path for you be one which you find easily traveled. And, especially for my friends with loved ones deployed - or with deployment orders in the future, remember that you have friends who are with you. Friends who understand, who pray with you, and who stand with you at the foot of the cross waiting for God's answers.

It's a New Year! Trials and struggles are not greater than the abundant blessings God gives to us. What greater blessing is there to know that He is with us at all times?

From this Two Star Mom to all of you - Happy New Year!

Sue

Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmauel.

It's two days before Christmas. All across the country, last minute shoppers are crowding the malls, the Wal-Marts and countless other big name stores. Some haven't shopped at all - others are looking for gifts that they inadvertantly left off their list. Busy. Busy. Busy.

Also, all across America, (because we can worship God without fear of persecution), Sunday Schools are presenting their Christmas pageants to proclaim the story of Mary and Joseph and a stable in Bethlehem where the Prince of Peace is born. Our church is no exception - even as I type, our parish children are presenting their play, singing their songs, being prompted on their forgotten lines.
Not being there is difficult for me - but being home is necessary. The doctor has me on medication for severe bronchitis or pneumonia...my xray results will be available on Wednesday. Meanwhile, I can do some things here at home as strength permits. The kids will be here soon and although I wanted the house to be spotless and picture perfect, God has also given me the wisdom to know that what matters is the state of my heart. Nothing wrong with my heart physically - it beats as steadily as ever. But I want it to be ready - oh, so welcoming - for Jesus. That the peace He brings to the world will be within me as well - with out question.
Funny, isn't it? How we prepare, the work we do, the gifts we buy, and wrap, and give, when the most important and precious gift we have to give is a child named Jesus. If we give Him - above all else - as God gave Him to us - we have realized that Christmas is truly a season of peace. The region where He was born is now full of fighting and soldiers and killing each day...but the Prince of Peace reigns over all. He is there in the courage of the soldiers, the strength of the people, the hope of the oppressed.

Come, Emmanuel, the hearts of the world are ready for your peace. Again.

God bless our troops and those who wait for them.

Blessings...

Sue

Getting closer - uh oh.

Does anyone have a few extra days they can lend me before Christmas? Yesterday I was going to finish my shopping and get the gifts all wrapped. 3/4 of them are sitting down in the basement all wrapped and ready for their bows. Scott moved them there on Friday before Veronica got here. I won't put the bows on them until they go under the tree because the glue on the bows dry out and fall off. This is the first year I have done this so we'll see if it helps or if the bows will still be scattered under the tree on Christmas morning.

So did I go shopping? Nope - the Binker (that's our nickname for Veronica) was extremely busy yesterday and Ron had a project going so I needed to be here to take care of her. At 3 1/2 she is pretty good, but she is VERY busy so Ron couldn't steam wallpaper off the wall and watch her too. Today I am not in church because this bronchial thing has returned with a vengeance. I coughed all day and night yesterday and don't really want to cough in church all morning too. Lovely.

Today, I will DEFINITELY wrap presents and get my recipes together for some cookie baking during the week. Somehow, it all gets done - doesn't it? When I was a little girl, I used to watch my mom getting ready for Christmas and she used to move from one project to the next with such, I don't know, finesse? You would think that SOME of that would have rubbed off on my sisters and I. No such luck. But as I've said before - I love a challenge.

We feel so blessed that Laurie, Stephen, and Kasey will be home for Christmas this year. Who knows what God's plans are for us all from one year to the next? But we trust that we are safely in His care and that is a wonderful assurance every single day. His will for us is perfect.

Tomorrow is the last day of the Fall semester - LOTS of things to do at work to make sure that all students who are requesting financial aid for just the fall semester will have their financial aid on the system and in place. While this can be a stressful time, it can also be very stimulating for the brain ( I tell myself that's a good thing at my age :).

For those who are traveling this week, Godspeed you safely to your destination.

For my friends who have loved ones in the sand, your loved ones are in the constant prayers of so many - mine included. I know the urgency of those prayers - and the trust with which we pray. Waiting for the answers is where our faith can be revealed - and His grace.

My friends - forgive me if I don't stop in too frequently this week. I'm getting ready for Kasey, and Christmas...and Jesus.

Hopeless cases?

SO, there I was in the church balcony on Sunday morning, singing the opening hymn with the rest of the choir - my dear friend Jan next to me. Jan is a military mom also - her son and daughter in law are serving in the Navy. So as we sang, we looked below to the congregation as latecomers took their place in the pews. One of my friends - a proud grandma to a Marine (Nick) who just returned from the sand - came into church and walked to the front, where most of her family - daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren - sit on Sunday mornings with regularity. She looked to the back of the church and the next person Jan and I saw walk in was Nick - looking so handsome in his dress blues. I stopped singing and started crying, giving in to the lump in my throat and the immense pride and thanksgiving for this 19 year old man/child we have so often prayed for on Sunday mornings (and many other times as well). Jan shifted her hymnal to one hand, and wiped the tears from her eyes as well.

So I guess you could say we are hopeless cases. As we laughed and cried at the same time - kindred spirits in this life as military moms - we knew it was ok; knew that if the other choir members noticed, they knew why the tears were flowing and why we couldn't sing that first hymn of praise.

It's ok - God didn't mind. After all, He is the one who put these hearts in us, gave us this path to walk, and brought Nick home safely. No hymn of praise, but hearts full of praise.

Hopeless? Well, maybe Jan and I could be considered hopeless by those who don't know what this roller coaster ride is all about. But always - always - it's our hope in Christ that gets us through. If that's what being a hopeless case is all about, I'm a lifer.

God bless our troops - and those who love them.

UH OH - Overdrive Time.

THE weekend has arrived. It's the weekend that you get to say thank goodness there are still two weeks until Christmas. Which translates to: OH man...I think I better get going. Tonight is list night. Tomorrow is shopping. Sunday is wrapping while watching football. Veronica is here - actually behind me, sitting on Papa's lap and watching Frosty the Snowman while eating an oreo cookie. Ahhh - life sure is simple for 3 year olds.

The weather is definitely Christmas weather - it's been cold all week...some snow - lots of it in ski country. This gives people the incentive to buy skis, or ski jackets, and gloves and hats and warm jackets. Tomorrow we are taking Veronica shopping for some good warm boots. Her mommy requested that when she dropped her off tonight. Tomorrow night we are taking her to the Christmas light show - there are several in our area. Or maybe we will just drive around a few of the local neighborhoods and enjoy a free show and save our money for some hot chocolate or a soda at the local ice cream parlor after we've looked at the lights. We're trying to do something special at least one day of each weekend so that Veronica and Scott can do something other than hang around the house. We want Veronica to have an adventure to tell her mommy and brother about when she goes home each Sunday. It's important that Tina knows that we are trying to make sure Veronica is not just spending time here, but is having fun too.

It's my hope that tomorrow morning will find me still in bed at 6:30 - maybe 7 if I'm lucky. And then I will have 2 cups of coffee before I start the shopping trip. THE shopping trip. I think I feel tired already.

Hoping that your weekend will bring you blessings.

God bless our troops and those who wait.

Blogs are the Cat's Meow!

Hi everyone. Have I told you lately how much I appreciate your company? It's really wonderful how my world has opened up since I visited my first blog about 3 years ago...oh my gosh - it's been that long. First blog I visited was Cathy's...she is a friend from our military moms website...and she led me to Erik who led me to others and so on and so on. Problem is, I am noticing all of your WONDERFUL sidebars with lists of links to other blogs and I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO THAT! There are so many sites I would like to post links to...blogs that have made me laugh, and cry; they have sent me to the Lord in prayer, to give thanks, and rejoice. So many good and gracious bloggers I have "met." Ok, so this weekend, I am going to read all the help topics I can find about posting links and other cool things. When I think of the things that I do on my computer at work - the programs I use, and the processes I run...and yet I can't figure out how to dress up Two Star Mom.

Meanwhile, please say a prayer tonight for a little cat named Butterball. She was recently adopted by a friend of mine, but she has kennel cough and she needs a few prayers. You might remember that when we adopted our doggie Lily, she had kennel cough and she was a very, very sick puppy. She probably wouldn't have made it because humane societies can't afford to make all the sick puppies and kitties well. So God lets them get adopted and then He takes it from there. Butterball...get better please. Your new mom needs you - and you need her very much (there will be lots of treats and a nice soft bed and maybe even a can of tuna once in awhile). As I said, blogs are the cat's meow. Meow and purr and have a happy life, Butterball.

I first began this blog when Laurie re-joined the military. The roller coaster ride of being a military mom - a love/hate thing that stirs up so much pride regardless of whether it's uphill, downhill, or hairpin curves - life wouldn't be the same with out this ride. But we need company along the way. It was my hope that I would be able to encourage military loved ones - cause we understand each other. Funny thing happened - you have blessed me. With your friendship, your own blogs, your encouragement when things have been difficult in my life, the blessings have been abundant. I have seen faith that can move mountains, strength and courage that give me strength and courage. And always understanding - we really do understand that life is ours to experience just once...with the adventures and the blessings being constant. I've learned a lot in the last few years - but it always comes down to one thing dear to the hearts of so many of us - our military.

May God bless them all - ALL of them - but especially those who serve in the sands of the Middle East. Lord please keep them safe and send them home soon to their loved ones. We're all waiting for them - and we love each and every one of them.

Blessings my friends...thanks for stopping by.

Sometimes the blessings are beyond our comprehension.

This morning I overslept a bit. Not too too late, but about half an hour. So I had to move pretty quick to get out of the house on time. I got to work early as always, and I checked my email - my work email and then my home email. I opened an email from my little sister - her name is Michelle, but we call her Chelle. She lives in FL so we don't see each other very often but we talk on the phone at least once or twice a week. She had called here on Sunday needing Laurie's phone number so Ron gave it to her and she said she would call back later. By the time we talked to Laurie a couple of hours later, she had already talked to Aunt Chelle. Just chit chat she said.

Now Michelle has a way of doing these wonderful acts of kindness, and so this morning when I opened her email - the subject of which was: "WE LOVE YOU" I wondered what it's contents would be.

There, in living color and with lots of letters and numbers, was an itinerary for Laurie, Stephen and Kasey. They are coming home for Christmas after all, compliments of Aunt Chelle and Uncle Bob. I got my cell phone out and called Michelle right away - she has caller ID so she knew it was me. I said - tears in my eyes and huge lump in my throat..."MICHELLE!!"

And she said, "Isn't it fun?" And I said, "but I can't pay you back..." and she said, huge lump in her throat, "You already do....every single day." Now we were both crying. I couldn't talk and she couldn't talk and so we just said I love you and hung up. I sat there and cried my eyes out - to think that she loves us this much. One of our staff members was in the other side of the office and she came around the corner really quickly and asking me if I was ok. I said, "Diane, these are happy tears..." and I told her what was happening and she hugged me. God always puts people in my path when I need a hug or when I need to share wonderful news and give someone a hug out of sheer thanksgiving. Poor Diane - first I scare the heck out of her...then I hug her. All before the coffee had finished brewing at my desk. :)

So now, instead of the kids being alone way out where they are, and our family being incomplete at Christmas....Kasey and Veronica will be getting a visit from Santa at the same home. And from now til Christmas, when I hear that "I'll be home for Christmas" song...I can turn up the radio and sing along...instead of just listening and wishing. Cause the kids will be home.

To think GOD loves me this much to have given me this beautiful and generous sister and her husband. I just tried to leave her a voice mail - I wasn't able to say very much - that lump again.

Now I realize that being apart for a holiday isn't the end of the world considering the distance between deployed soldiers and their families...and that's why I didn't say much about not being together - but when I think of how God blesses us when we least suspect it... well, it just boggles my mind.

Michelle and Bob - we love you. Oh Lord, bless them abundantly, please.

God bless our troops. And those who wait for them.

God blesses us in so many ways.

Happy Thanksgiving! I suspect not too many people will be checking out blogs today so I thought that when I got a break in the chopping and dicing and all that good stuff I could pop in and say hi.
God has blessed us so abundantly as a nation - and as individual Americans. I was saying to some of my friends this morning He has so many wonderful things in store for us all - I have seen that at work every single day.
This may seem short for a holiday message....but there is sincerity when I say that you all are so important to me. Most of you I have never met and yet we have this connection - many of us because someone (or more than one someone) we love is serving in the military. May each and every soldier be blessed today - no matter where they serve, they are the true spirit of what the Pilgrims wanted for this nation. We are a baby compared to so many other countries and yet, God has chosen to bless us with His love...and the freedom to worship Him.
God bless you all - I am truly grateful for all of you. But especially, may He bless our troops - and those who love them.
Blessings,
Sue

Saturday at Nana's house.

Sitting here listening to Ron and Veronica in the kitchen having their breakfast - the rule of thumb is that Papa makes eggs and toast for her on Saturday and Sunday mornings while I sit here and enjoy my Saturday morning coffee and wait til Ron is out of the kitchen so that I can clean it up and start messing it up again with some sort of baking project. Today I will make chocolate chip cookies with one slight change in the routine. Veronica will be helping Nana make them. :)
Last night, Scott took us out for dinner to Ruby Tuesday's. It was a great dinner just because the four of us were together. Veronica had a great time - sampling everyone's flavored lemonade and then drinking her chocolate milk - served in one of those little one serving bottles they sell in the grocery stores. She just thought that was so cool. Then we went to Toys r Us and that didn't last long because Veronica's eyes were like saucers. Scott bought her a pound puppy and I bought her some barnyard animals. She LOVES her barnyard animals and has enough to start her own zoo.
Scott is working today so we will make it a Papa, Nana and Veronica day. Tacos for dinner and then her Saturday night bath. Tomorrow she will go home when Scott goes to work.
It's taking some time getting used to all the changes in our family. Tina is a little different now and while I still love her so much, I don't understand her sometimes. I have decided that it's time to take the pictures of Scott and Tina together with the kids off my sofa table. Another chapter is beginning in our lives - it actually began last July with their separation. I think it might be painful for Scott to see them everyday and it's time for me to face the music. It's not a happy tune, but sometimes we need to sing it anyway.
It's life and as I've said before, it is what it is.
But praise God for little girls who still think it's fun to spend a Saturday with Nana. It's been awhile since I've baked cookies with a 3 year old, but I think it'll all come back to me.
God bless our troops and those who wait.

38 Years

Today is our 38th wedding anniversary. Yikes. I always thought that people married this long had to be old, or infirm - heck, maybe both. But we aren't - at least we don't think so. It was a great day - I had requested the day off and this morning when I opened my eyes and looked at the clock, it said 5am. I smiled, pulled the comforter up and fell back to sleep until 7:30. That's like noon to me. Went and had some blood work done and came home and had a good breakfast with 2 cups of coffee...this morning I used the Folgers.
We started watching a movie - Amazing Grace - but then it was time to take Scott to work and so we paused it. We dropped Scott off and then I said I wanted to do a little Christmas shopping. Ron was thrilled (not). But I did get a few cute things for Laurie - there is a new store at the mall that I'd heard was nice. She is always the one I start with because she is so easy to buy for - and this store is to die for. Well, Ron was with me so I behaved.
We went to Red Lobster for dinner - MAJOR food consumed - it was delicious. Key Lime pie and coffee too. We don't do that very often - very special occasions only. I think celebrating 38 years makes it a special occasion - don't you?
So it's been a really great day - time spent together always is a wonderful thing. We've been blessed with many things in our marriage. There have, of course, been some lean years, some times of growing, and times when if we hadn't had our love we wouldn't have made it.
But that's the thing - God has always blessed us with love and no matter what we went through, we came out stronger on the other side. Unfortunately, couples don't always have that nowadays.
I love you Ron.
And I will just close by saying Thank you Lord for Ron, for our marriage, and for all that You have given us in our 38 years together. Blessing upon blessing.

For the brave - who have always kept us free.

Today being Veteran's Day, it was important to me that I post. This morning in church as part of the prelude, the organist played the Navy hymn. I love that hymn and of course it always brings tears to my eyes. I cry when the Star Spangled Banner is sung, or when we are visiting the kids and we happen to see a platoon of soldiers marching by. They represent the very best our nation has to offer - seasoned SGTs yelling out orders, or PVTs calling cadence as they march along - men with their basic training haircuts and women with their hair gathered in a little knot at the nape of their neck. The best of the best. Sons, daughters, husbands, wives and grandchildren - maybe they are the boy or girl next door. Whoever they are, we love them and the pride that fills our hearts does bring a lump to our throat and tears to our eyes.

For those who have served in years past - you are the role models for those who have followed in your footsteps. In the muck of Vietnam, Pork Chop Hill in Korea, WW II's Battle of the Bulge and Iwo Jima; the battles of the German forests in WW I...and so on and so on. Since our nation was born.

Thank you for your sacrifices - your time away from your homes. Your willingness to go into harm's way. And for the ultimate sacrifice you have often had to make.

Let us not forget those who are serving in harm's way today - let us remember them in prayer as they take on the missions they are asked to. Not everyone believes in those missions - but we all believe in YOU.

God bless you all - for you have blessed America.

BOO!

Trick or treat!
Hi - it's been awhile - I think I have writer's block or something. Just can't get into the swing of things these days. There's so much going on - at home, at work...on my mind and in my heart. Today being Halloween, I didn't dress up as in years past...had some ideas last night but no Halloween makeup and our corner store was closed - so I didn't wear a costume. It felt weird. Last year I was some sort of clown - my "clown hair" sticking from underneath my hat was put together with brightly colored curling ribbon and Ron's coveralls did just fine for my pants - his favorite flannel shirt with the holes in the sleeves - well, let's just say I understand now why it's his favorite....just really comfortable. I love driving to work in my costume - it's interesting because everyone is so busy driving and cutting in and changing lanes that they don't even notice that the person sitting behind the wheel in the car next to them has a bright red rubber nose and a plastic cigar tucked behind their ear. People are in such a hurry these days.
So anyway, this year, I don't know. Call it weariness or something - I just wasn't into it. Scott and Tina's separation is wearing on my heart these days - and on my mind too. I'm angry, sad, confused, and just plain tired of trying to figure how two people who seemed so in love could let it get away. Please understand that I am grateful to have Scott here after what we went through in August when he went so far away - it just takes some getting used to.
I was talking to a friend yesterday(you know who you are :) and she was telling me that her life has changed drastically also, having separated from her husband. But she has a new Friend now - she is seeking our Father and the more she talks with Him, the more comfortable it is for her. That's kind of the way things happen - we can be in the deepest valleys, but somehow God lifts us up and although we may not feel like we are on a mountain top, we know that we are safe and being taken care of. And we know that this too - whatever it may be - shall pass.
I guess my writer's block is chipping away - it feels good to be back.
Tonight, as we sit in the "sticks" with only two trick or treaters - Princess Veronica and King Something Luke (a character from one of Luke's video games) - having rung our doorbell, I am feeling kind of nostalgic. Years ago, when Scott and Laurie were Luke and Veronica's age, it was always hectic around here on halloween. Now, they are the parents and it's funny - what goes around comes around: "You can't eat all that candy now - you won't have any left when you get home." Or "don't be ridiculous, you HAVE to wear your jacket - it matches your princess costume just fine." I chuckle thinking of it all.
Protestants also observe Reformation Day today....the day that we observe Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Thesis proclaiming the "gospel in a nutshell" - that by grace we are saved through faith.
One year, when I was teaching Tuesday night Confirmation classes, Pastor and the rest of the teachers had decided to have a Reformation Day party. If we or the kids were going to wear a costume, it had to be biblical in nature. So, having worn my very best Pillsbury Dough Boy get up during working hours, I came home, put on a fuzzy white sweater with my white food service uniform pants and a fluffy white winter hat with flaps, and a pair of white mittens and went to the party dressed as - a sheep! I was rather creative back then. Of course some of the kids thought I looked like a bunny.
Just got home from our friend's house next door. Put a mask on and went trick or treating to see if they had any good candy. Nestle's Crunch Bars - worth the trip, especially since we talked for about half an hour about everything under the sun. I love those impromptu visits.
Better go now - Lilly is getting restless and has her rope toy in her mouth so I guess that means, "let's play mom!"
Laurie will send us lots of pictures tomorrow of Kasey's Halloween adventures. Can't wait to see them. I wonder how many candy bars he had tonight? Ahhh, Laurie, PAYBACK TIME!!
God bless our troops and those who wait.

"You WILL be back tomorrow, right?"

I had a new staff member start this week...a very nice lady and it seemed she was going to work out just fine. But on Monday, as the day ended, she looked pretty tired. I said - you WILL be back tomorrow, right? She laughed and said that she would be.
Of course, when new staff members start, we like them to think we are organized...like a well oiled machine that hums along like an expensive diesel engine on the most expensive pick up truck you can buy (Ron's dream). Are there any offices that work like that? Well, not in my world. We truly are a well oiled machine...but there's a little water mixed in there so it doesn't hum too quietly sometimes. But it all gets done somehow.
Anyway, our new girl did return on Tuesday and she came back yesterday as well. And I thought: well, I guess we must be doing something right. I took her to a different part of campus at noontime to show her around a little bit and we had lunch together too. She said our office is a lot busier than she thought it would be but she is learning things already. Great to know she is such a quick learner, I thought.
This morning when I arrived at work at 7:30 and there was a voice mail waiting for me. It was the new girl - she had called at 6:35 this morning. "I will not be returning," she said, "I don't think the job is a good fit for me." I called her back immediately but she didn't answer and so I left her a voicemail and said that I felt bad that she wasn't returning and did I do something to offend her...did any of us do anything to offend her? She called me back at 3 o'clock and said it was nothing we did...she's just not ready to return to an office environment. I had looked in her desk drawer earlier in the day and found her parking tag, her id card, and her keys. This means that she would have had to walk to her car, remove the parking tag and return to the office and put everything in her desk drawer and then leave, knowing that this job wasn't going to work out. How difficult that must have been for her...as well as the call she made this morning. I felt pretty dejected all day, more for her than for me. I was disappointed for our office, but also for her.
It will be December before we find another person to fill her position. We have two other positions open so will probably hire all three staff members at the same time.
So, tomorrow will be another day. Lots to do -there always is. Seems like the weeks fly by - the days sometimes crawl a little bit though. Know the feeling?
With Wendy's son soon to be back in his home town - he returned to his home base recently and Wendy was there when he stepped off the plane - it's so good to know that my friend now knows the comfort of not waking in the middle of the night wondering where Jay is and whether he is on a mission. God does bring us comfort during times like that - He makes us realize that He is the only one we can trust our loved ones to because as awesome of a task as that might seem to us, it's an everyday gift of love He gives to us all. He has the answers to all the questions we ask over and over again -we don't always "get it" the first time we ask Him...but He is patient. I wonder if He ever says, "You WILL be back tomorrow, won't you?"
My answer? Dear Lord, yes. (Do you think it's ok if I go back to Him BEFORE tomorrow?).
Blessings to you all and may God bless our troops and those who wait.

Coming home...and leaving.

As I sit here tonight giving thanks for the soldiers returning home this week from the sand, I also give thanks for the soldiers who are leaving this week for their time in the sandbox. What they do is not an ordinary thing - and is not a journey anyone should take lightly. Now I fully realize that unless you've walked in the shoes, a person can't realize the gravity of what this means to a soldier (sailor, marine or airman), and to his or her family. When your child calls and says, "we got our orders, mom" it puts a very real face on the war. I've been down that road 3 times and it will probably be a journey we will take again in the next year or two with one or both of our soldiers. The tears are very real, the sleepless nights are not a dream; the prayers that are constantly on our lips and in our hearts bombard our Father without ceasing. And anyone reading this who has experienced it will be the first one to nod their head in agreement.
And so I thank all of you whose child or husband or wife or dad or mom or brother or sister...or friend..has been to the sand. I may not ever meet you, but you are my dearest friends because we understand each other. We are the ones who will pray and support the soldiers now deployed and offer understanding and comfort to their loved ones who wait at home. Oh, don't get me wrong - I know that many, many people are praying for our troops and every word spoken from their sincere and faithful hearts are so appreciated and welcomed. It's just that those of us who walk the same path need to keep one another company on the journey.
As I mentioned last week, Ron and I watched a series written and produced by Ken Burns called "The War." It was about WWII. The hundreds of thousands of men and women who left home and never returned. Their courage, their friendships, the lives they lived moment by moment in the trenches or in the forests or on beaches far away as bombs and mortar rained down on them. It was a series that was VERY difficult to watch because it was so gruesome and sad at times. That's what war is, right? Still, if these men and women and the families who loved them could endure it - make the sacrifices they made - how can I turn it off when it gets too difficult to watch? Don't I at least owe them the time it takes for them to tell us their stories? Sometimes war is too much to think about, isn't it?
Well, it's all in how you look at it. War DOES change us... it can make our faith grow - not only in God, but in human nature and the goodness people are capable of sharing. I've seen that goodness, and experienced the faith. It made me stronger as a mom and wife and friend. It makes us better - lets us love people better.
Troops - whether coming, or going, or serving on our home soil - will never be forgotten for their efforts, for their courage and for their sacrifice. They may be one in a million who serve our nation and I know that figure is a low estimate - but they each truly are an army of one.
And I love them all.

Football...and therefore, traffic.


Are you ready for some football? Monday night football hasn't visited our area in 13 years but tonight, the Bills take on the Cowboys right here in WNY.
And the traffic I ran into from the moment I left work was, well, interesting. SUVs with 4 or 5 people in all of them - and faces painted red and white and blue (not necessarily because they are patriotic...just die hard Buffalo Bills fans). Cars with Bills flags flying from the windows on both sides of their cars; passengers telling the driver it's safe to change lanes (and the drivers believed them). All the way home - all 85 minutes of the trip - these were my traveling companions along the interstate. It's ok - I finally got home and now I am not budging...well, just from the computer to the TV. (teehee...I AM ready for some football).
I requested the day off tomorrow - I have to go for a mammogram (fun times) and I also have lots to do around the house that didn't get done over the weekend (because little Miss Veronica was here and we went on a field trip Saturday. Yesterday I was going to go into the office to clear a few things off my desk but making a fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings - including a homemade apple pie - kind of got in the way.
This morning when I went into the office and saw my desk I thought: the apple pie was worth it.
Yup, definitely worth watching Scott and Ron feed their faces.
Tonight, as my friend Wendy and her family wait for Jay to return to his home base, I can only imagine how excited they must be as they wait there for him. Lord please bless his journey home. I hope there aren't any football games to hold him up - the last thing he needs is traffic. :)
God's blessings my friends.

Five Words to live by (and for)...

I AM OUT OF IRAQ!!!! These words my friend Wendy forwarded to me in an email this morning...her son is finally not "in country" as they say. As I read the words, the days and thoughts of my own emails proclaiming that about my own children came flooding back to me. Anyone will tell you that you have to walk in the shoes to understand the gravity and thanksgiving in reading or hearing those five words. There are no words to describe the joy...or the relief...or the flood of tears that come when a soldier's family finally realize that it's over and he/she is coming home. When you get the news, you don't care where you are...where the flood of relief will hit...who will be the first one that you hug when the news finally sinks in. So tonight Wendy, I am wishing that I could have been there when you got the news. But since there are many miles between us, I hope you know that at least I was able to shed some tears with you - because I love your soldier too. And I am thrilled that you are finally getting this news. I hope that the person who received that first hug realizes the joy behind it and the relief and thanksgiving. Chances are they did not...but I hope you can feel the one I am sending to you. THANK YOU JESUS!

Now I have another friend who visits from time to time...her name is Kim. Her older son Chuck served in the Army and got out...then her youngest son Ben joined and is about to graduate from Basic...and Chuck re-enlisted. I can't believe that Ben is old enough. Kimmy...I am so proud of them both - and I can only imagine how you must be feeling. Pride is mixed in there somewhere I'm sure....just remember that there are a lot of us here who will be with you in this...no matter where the Army sends them. God bless them Kimmy - and may He bring you His peace at all times.

Nothing personal to report today...it's all about other moms and their soldiers. About old friends and renewed friendships and the blessings that are in all of these. It's about those five words that a family lives for.

God, please bless our troops...and those of us who wait. You know our hearts...and You know our trust in you dear Lord. And you know the courage and strength they hold in THEIR hearts.

For you do not give us a spirit of fear, Lord...only hope and trust. And faith.

Some things never change.

Fall weather is starting to move into Western NY. Rainy, getting a little cooler...you know, the tell tale signs that summer is over. We've had Lily for just a little over a year. When we first brought her home, she didn't want to go outside when it was raining...so we used to take her out in the rain and stand there with an umbrella while she watered the grass. Funny doggie. During the winter, she absolutely LOVED romping in the snow but didn't want to go out if it was actually in the process of snowing (huh?). All spring and summer long, she has found her perfect spot, and would lie down in her sun beam and be content for as long as we'd let her...or she would come into the garage and lie down on the cool cement floor.
So why should we be surprised when this afternoon when it was lightly misting, Scott put her leash on her and she stood there in the doorway watching the rain...and not budging until Ron came out and stood in the rain with her. Looks like nothing has changed since that once frail little doggie grew to be healthy as can be with a lot more meat on her bones. She is a wonderful companion...since Tina got rid of the two dogs living at their house, when Veronica comes over here she gets right down on the floor next to Lily and tackles her. Lily loves it...and it's so cool to watch. Last night, during a thunderstorm, Lily got up on the bed and slept between Ron and I - she took turns sharing our pillows. She hasn't slept with us all night in a long time...usually a thunder storm finds her under the bed. But she always has to know we are close by.

Tonight on my way home from work, I noticed that the leaves are starting to change...the air is getting crisper and that wonderfully colorful time of the year is upon us. One of my favorite times of the year...except for the leaves on the ground. Ron works so hard raking and the very next day the yard is full again. I think you can identify. Some things never change.

And then again, some things do change. Some things that we have no control over. I have a friend who is facing a divorce after 28 years of marriage...after that length of time it would seem that all the major kinks should be worked out. Kids are pretty much grown, the "lean" years are pretty much over because you've been working for a long time and saving toward the same goals. And then all of a sudden, the words are spoken, the split happens, and where are you?

So prayers are going up for my friend tonight...and will be in the days and weeks and months ahead as life changes for her and her family. She knows she has a strong support group, but still, the hurt is there. Remember who loves you my friend... there are lots of us. God bless your family with His love and guidance and care.

Tomorrow is Friday - another week over. They go so quickly. Jay, a soldier I have come to love, will be home from the sand box soon. As his mom makes preparations to meet his plane when he returns, there are many of us waiting, waiting, waiting. I know the 15 months he's been gone have not gone quickly for them at all, but God has been gracious.

Ron and I have been watching a PBS series by Ken Burns called The War...about WWII and it's impact on 4 American cities and the people who lived there; nearly everyone in those cities had someone serving. I know that war changes things...makes you keenly aware of the important things in life. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for families of soldiers in WWII - communication was terrible, letters took forever to get. I, like many of you, have experienced this sandbox war and may experience that yet again. It's far from being at a picnic.

This post covers doggies, and friends, autumn leaves, and soldiers. The common thread is change - good and bad. We live with change every single day - some changes of our own making; others God has preordained. Friendships, marriages, autumn leaves. As for war, God has been telling us since the very first days of creation to love each other...to be our brother's keeper..to be gentle and not hate. But then there is human nature and that really really seems to win out a lot more than it should. And so there are wars.

And our troops...there are our troops. They serve because they love their country...they believe in that word, "change." They can make a difference - make things better - with their courage and their loyalty and their sacrifice.

God, please bless them.