Chores and Road Trips,

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

Getting ready.

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

Inspirations.


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

Assembly line cooking.

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

Remembering.

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

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

Police and firemen, our service men and women.

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

God Bless America - my home sweet home.

Time to adjust things.

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

Pretty awesome, huh?

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

The Little Engine That Could.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for stopping by my friends.

Two Star Mom

What's in a number?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, honey.

I love you - but only God knows how much.

Labor Day....for some.

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

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

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

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

Some things DO change.

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

Blessings my friends. Thanks for stopping by.

It's almost that time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless our troops.

An anniversary - of sorts. And I still believe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless our troops.

We're out here!

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

She shoots...She SCORES!!

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

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

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

God bless our troops.

Knowing when to give thanks.

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

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

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

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

Thank you Father...truly, thank You.

And thanks for stopping by, my friends.

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

Permission.


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

Praise Him who gives us that faith.

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

Fine Things.


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

From the mountains...to the prairies.

I guess there's no way I can put into words the wonder of all that we saw on this vacation. Hiking snowcapped mountain paths, and walking along the continental divide. Other times we saw the wheat and other crops growing row upon row, mile after mile. Green grass for as far as the eye could see and lakes and creeks running under bridges - bridges of steel and cement with cars whizzing by and trucks roaring past, sometimes with their air brakes whooshing; or small wooden bridges that you could only walk over. There were bridges made of split logs that we walked over to get to the other side of a stream - balancing so that we didn't slip off and get a "hot foot." Seeing elk and deer, old couples, young couples, teenagers just far enough enough ahead of their parents to make them feel independent (yet when they got to the gift shops they crowded around their parents to request money); and young children riding on their daddy's shoulders or in a stroller laden with diaper bag, juice boxes with those little straws sticking up, and mom and dad's water bottles.
There were marathon games of Rummikub with Laurie and Stephen - Kasey "helping" with the tiles as we concentrated on who was adding what numbers to the groupings on the table. Coffee and beer, water and juice, sometimes Jim Beam showed up...mostly just bottled water was the drink of choice. I think the best part of the whole week was watching my children and their son enjoy being a family. Laurie and Stephen are very disciplined with Kasey - but the love is over flowing and Kasey returns the adoration and love his parents have for him. I could watch them forever and not tire of this sight.
Saturday night, when I knew the hours were winding down and the time was drawing near to say goodnight, Ron and I called the kids and Kasey into the basement where their bedroom was and we said our thank yous for a wonderful week...and tried to express in words just how much we love them. I tried to tell Stephen everything I needed to tell him, but couldn't. The words couldn't get past the lump in my throat. Somehow, I think that he knows what I was trying to say. And so I just hugged him.
How is Kasey about his daddy's upcoming deployment? Well, one day when we were looking at RVs and speedboats, Kasey announced that he was going to buy his daddy a speedboat.
"But first," he said, "daddy has to go get the bad guys. Then when he comes home, I'll buy his boat." These words from the lips of a 3 year old boy.
From time to time I may mention this trip - it was peaceful and blessed. God was everywhere in the beauty of everything - and in the love shared by our family.
Back to work tomorrow - the mountains and the prairies will end up as wall paper on my computer as a backdrop for the one picture out of hundreds that best captures the memories of the week. No doubt it will be one of the kids with Kasey with their ever present smiles reflecting their love and happiness as a family.
Ron and I are so blessed...and we had all the time together on the road as well.
God bless America - she holds many wonders. Including the troops who protect her.
Dear God, bless them.

An End...and a Beginning.

Yesterday morning - before the sun was up - we hugged and kissed Laurie, Stephen, and Kasey and started the long drive home. Words cannot express what it meant to this mom's heart to leave them all, so although many of you can understand where I am at, you might have to read between the lines a little bit. It begins a new year of sorts as Stephen prepares for deployment.
I will begin by telling you that we had a wonderful time - and although I will fill you in on some of the best times (well really they all were the best but I will be kind to you and give you the highlights) tomorrow when the eyes are a little more rested and I have digested the fact that we are home again. Don't get me wrong - it's always a blessing to come home...it's just hard to leave the kids.
Last night as I tried to get to sleep in the motel room from he double L, (it was like something out of a Stephen King movie...details to follow in a day or two), I thought about the fact that so much will be happening in the coming year for our family. Good, bad, scary times. And yet, I know there will be blessings as well. I was a bit weary yet had a million thoughts racing through my head so sleep did not come easily. But after awhile - when the tears of missing the kids were shed quietly - I began to take stock. I ended the tossing and turning and fell asleep after thanking God for the blessings He had bestowed upon our family in the past 11 days. A mom needs to remember to give thanks instead of being needy...know what I mean?
This blog was two years old on Sunday - thanks for coming along with me and being such good friends for all of this time. I am hunkering down for the long haul - for a year of uncertainty, of prayer, and of trust in our Father. Because I know that He is holding us in His strong and loving hands. All of us.
Be blessed my friends - it's good to be home again with you.
God bless our troops and all of us who love them.