These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Saturday, when I got home from a workshop at church, there was a large box sitting on the kitchen table.  I knew what it was - a box from Afghanistan - some of Laurie's things that she was sending home because, well, she is getting ready to re-deploy back to the states.  In the box, some of Laurie's favorite things she had over there.  Things she had taken with her, some were items she had Stephen send a month or two before she left while she was in officer training in TX, and others we had sent in the many care packages mailed in the last xx number of months.  Movies she watched on her computer when she wasn't working, or doing homework, or during the long nights when she WAS working but not busy.  There were a few things in the bottom of the box that ~ as soon as I spotted them ~ brought tears to my eyes.  I saw the little square  Valentine with the simple message on the back from Kasey...."Dear Mom, I love you, Love, Kasey'....in the legible printing of a first grade boy.  Then I saw the silver bracelet with the Lord's prayer on it - which even though Laurie couldn't wear, she kept close....this a gift from my sister Chelle, who had sent one to Laurie, and to myself, and kept one for herself.  I have worn this bracelet nearly every single day....have removed it countless times to make a meatloaf, or to do the dishes, or help Kasey with his bath.  But when I crawl into bed at night, it's always on the bathroom vanity next to my hearing aids so in the morning, I read it in prayer, and slip it over my left hand. Chelle, you don't know how much love you gave me in that bracelet.  And I thank you - and God - every time I put it on my wrist. And then I picked up the third item that was so special.  It was a small pewter stone that I purchased at the Renaissance Festival during the summer.  On the stone was written one word - Princess.  Now THAT made me cry.  And I mean CRY. 
When it began, this deployment was so difficult to think about, and instead of thinking of it as a year, I took it one day at a time - often one hour, one minute at a time.  When I go to bed at night I ask the Lord for a safe day for my children - all of them. Here,and  in Buffalo, and over there, where Laurie is. And now where Stephen is also. When I get up in the morning, I ask for a safe night's sleep for Laurie and Stephen, and a good day for Scott and Vi too.  Not to mention Luke, and Veronica, and Kasey.  And so, at first, we kind of trudged through the days here at home.  Stephen like a fish out of water because Laurie was deployed instead of himself.   But we soon got into our routines and the days began to pass quickly. Laurie came home for R and R during the Christmas holidays and things seemed normal again....for a little while.
Once Stephen received his deployment orders, things moved quickly, and now we count the days on two calendars (mentally, that is), both for the safe return of our soldiers.
So in looking at all of these things in a big box, I realized that this year has been one which I never could have imagined.  When Laurie left, I was lost.  A mom can't explain what goes through her heart and mind when her daughter goes to war, and then her daughter's husband too.
But in receiving that package, and in thinking about the past year, I realize that God had His plans for me too.  Not just cooking and cleaning and taking care of two men and a boy and the dogs.  But rather receiving a gift far greater than I could have imagined.....the open door to our new church.  To a strengthened faith, new friends,  and the reality that when your child leaves for over there, faith IS what will get a person through.  And of course all of you and your prayers.  We still need them, please. 

Faith, family, friends.
These are a few of my favorite things.....and I would have to bet that even though as a mom and daughter Laurie and I haven't always agreed about everything....those three of our favorite things are the same.
Thanks for stopping by - God's blessings to you all.

The Weeks of Easter.




When Lent began on Ash Wednesday, our Pastor (who is awesome) asked us to give up a few things.
Oh, we could give up the usual things like chocolate, or sweets, etc., but especially, he asked us to give up our anxieties, sadness, guilt, and sin.  Maybe because of this, and with God's help, this Lent and Easter season has been more meaningful than I can ever remember.  I've shared this with Ron and with some of my church family, but since you also know me, it was important to share it with you as well.

Admittedly, there were moments during those 40 days that I truly struggled with this.  Stephen would be leaving before Easter.  With Laurie still over there, my prayers were for her as she thought,  in a war zone, about her husband's deployment. As her mom I struggled with what she must be feeling. But on that day, when Stephen hugged us goodbye, (and as I wanted to keep holding on to him) the prayer I had been praying for weeks, (Please, Lord, let this happen without tears), was answered.  There were no tears until after he left, and they were not in front of Kasey. A few days  later, Laurie Skyped to say that the powers that be (thank you LORD) had managed for them to be able to spend some time together.  On Easter morning, they were still together.

The joy of Easter goes past that one Sunday after Good Friday.  The joy continues, and I am realizing more and more that the sadness, guilt, anxieties, and sin for which Jesus died are still ours- still mine -  to give up every single day. Not just during 40 days of the church year.  They ALL died on the cross with God's Son.
Moms worry - even Mary probably worried about Jesus....but they are calmed in the peace He brings to us. No matter what hurts or joys lie upon our hearts, God sees them....and hears them in our prayers, and brings us dear and wonderful Christian friends who pray with us, and who hug us in Christian love. He helps us past our own thoughts to hear and pray for what is on their hearts as well.  Not just the anxieties, but the joys too!  

Praying that His peace will also be in the hearts of our military men and women who are in the midst of war.  Or who are about to be in the midst of war - and in the hearts of those who love them. 
Every single day He helps me to realize more and more that Easter joy is not just a feeling..it is a blessed reality.
May you know this too.

Does Time REALLY Heal All Wounds?




So we've nearly come to the time for favorite meals and last minute lists -  of making sure questions are asked, and answered, and for a Dad to reassure his son that he will be careful when he is getting the bad guys.  
And for two soldiers and their son to SKYPE once or twice more as a threesome.
In less than a year, our other soldier will be back home. 
This is OUR plan, and we pray it is God's plan as well.
Now I know that God does not give us a spirit of fear...but rather courage.  And we know that His angels are all around us - resting on our shoulders, and helping us to feel His peace in our hearts.   So, we can know that when we call on His name, He hears us. And we hear Him as well - in the quiet of the night, or  when we are in battle.  You know, the everyday battles that most of us deal with.  Or in the battles that our nation's bravest and finest are asked to wage in a place far away from their home soil.
Laurie will be home soon - thank you, Lord.  And in time, our Stephen will be home as well.  I thank God for the trust we can have in Him. And that it's okay to be worried too.  He understands our hearts and our fears.

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

So maybe time doesn't heal all wounds, but the Faith He gives us DOES give us the hope that at the end of a certain period of time, our hearts are healed of the worry, and joy and thanksgiving are left in it's place.

He's got this one too.
Thank you, Lord.

Passing the Baton.

                                               Stephen, Skyping with Laurie, and the smiles that always pass between them.




How does a mom rejoice in the upcoming return of her child, her daughter, (okay, she's our baby), when you know that before she comes home, a dearly loved son in law will deploy to the same hell that his wife is in right now?  How do we do this?

The phone rang the other day,  and when I picked it up, I heard Laurie's name, and then something about contact number.  I asked the person to repeat what she was saying, and my heart was in my throat.  All I heard was contact number, Laurie's name, and "is that correct?"   I said that yes, they had the correct number and that I was Laurie's mom.  She told me that she had a date for an information meeting about Laurie's unit returning.  I don't think my heart started beating again until I was off the phone, staring at the information I had written down.  And then I realized what the meeting is for - and I said a quiet 'thank you, Lord.'  Quiet because I think our voice is sometimes heard better when we speak quietly.  The fear that had gripped me only a moment before gave way to my quiet prayer of thanks.
Stephen and Laurie will miss each other by a matter of weeks.  When I think of embracing her in that welcome home ceremony, my heart just bursts with  happiness.  But I would give all of that up if only Stephen could be there.  Instead, we will be embracing him goodbye just days before we welcome Laurie,.
Can I tell you how my heart aches for them?  For Kasey?  For all of us?
And can I tell you of my pride, without sounding like I am boasting? 
I will never understand all of this war thing, but I have never been an objector and never will be. I am, simply, a mom who loves her children.  And my pride does not feel  boastful.  It's simply what they are willing to do  to see that the baton is passed....and they will (prayerfully) safely run the race and pass the baton to someone else when their time in that place is done and on and on until they all come home. I have crawled onto the lap of our Father many times, and it's a good place to be - especially when stuff seems like it's closing in. I could say that I haven't ever prayed this hard, but there were times when, as a young man, Scott was very ill; and when Violet was near death a year ago from her Crohn's disease, or when....well, you get the picture. 
And all of my prayers were answered at those times with God's grace and mercy. I have no doubt they will be answered in that way again. They are feeble prayers compared to the power of the name I call on.
But I know He hears each and every one.
Awesome, isn't it?

Rough Around The Edges







Stephen will be home soon from his pre-deployment training.  It's been 3 weeks and all has gone well here - Kasey has been very good - getting up well on these dark winter mornings, bringing pillow and favorite blanket down to the couch to watch some Animal Planet for a few minutes until his breakfast is ready.  He is a creature of habit - a tiny little man who knows exactly what he wants.  And always please and thank yous. Church and Sunday School are now a regular part of his week - he loves it.   And I love that he can be sitting between Ron and I every Sunday and receiving a blessing when Ron and I are taking communion.  We've settled into a nice routine here and he seems glad to have grandma and grandpa around.
Well, MOST of the time.

Yesterday, though, was a bit difficult.  He had had a long weekend from school due to (grand) parent/teacher conferences.  Mine was to be on Thursday, but Thursday morning we woke up to a winter wonderland and the school canceled all conferences and kept the staff at home.  So we used the day to have breakfast at IHOP,  to do our errands, get Kasey a much needed haircut, and also grocery shopping at the commissary.  Shopping at the Commissary is an adventure.  We always try (but aren't usually successful) to shop on any day but military paydays.  (unfortunately, those are usually the days we get my pension or social security direct deposits).  Fridays and Saturdays are also bad.  And lunch time too - get the picture? 
Anyway, we were really busy but I think Kasey missed the structure of school (but I'm sure that he doesn't realize this..:-).   So yesterday, Kasey and I had a little chat and the rest of our day was awesome.  After all, we all have bad days once in awhile - even kids do.  Especially soon to be 7 year old boys with two parents in the military.
Rough patches are okay once in awhile.  It makes you think, and sit, and talk to one another. And what can help a grandma and her little boy realize respect for one another more than quiet talks with an I love you or two thrown in for extra measure?  He, ummm we, are going to need a lot of those I love yous in the weeks and months ahead.  Not to mention the prayers.  Lots of those too.

I think we've got this one - it's not in our hands anyway, right?
Thank you for that, Lord.

Love Will Keep Us Together.




When Laurie deployed - actually before she left - I began saving up little things that would go nicely in a scrap book.  Wrote down some dates, tried to keep track of EVERYTHING from Day 1.  Of course with a little boy, a big house, and two grown men to look after, (and of course a dog or two or even three) some things kind of left this brain of mine. Oh, there will be a scrap book, and there will be plenty in it all right, but instead of it being one year's events from a single deployment of one soldier, it will be a two year journal of two soldiers deployed.  But at least I know what the title is going to be, and that will help it take shape.

We are doing well here - all in all. Kasey is doing well with his Dad at predeployment training, we are on our second week now and he seems content to know that Grandma and Grandpa are here.  I often wonder if he wakes up in the morning and thinks, "Oh man, they're still here."  LOL.  I know he is happy that we are here, but I wish his mom and dad could be here too.  Hard to know what goes through the mind of an almost 7 year old. Tomorrow being Valentines Day, he did all of his valentines tonight, and put a scratch and sniff sticker on all of them.  Of course there was one that had more than one sticker - it was for the little girl who has won his heart.  He actually told her the other day that she is pretty.  Wish I could have been there to hear THAT one, and to see her reaction.
He is enrolled in Sunday School at our church now - was so excited about it and that makes me happy.  When we skyped with Laurie the other day she told Kasey that she went to Sunday School until she was 18 years old and almost until she left for the Army.  I smile thinking of that.  Kasey was just so cute yesterday getting ready for church - he let me comb his hair and everything.  I wrote the day and time down so I would remember that he actually did let me comb his hair one time.  :-)
We have new primary doctors now - thank you Lord.  Finally, there are doctors in Colorado Springs that accept my health insurance.  Of course soon I will be on Medicare and my health insurance will be secondary. Medicare....that has a ring to it that I'm not sure I like.
But we go through our days doing the things that are needed.  Things that we like to do, and spending time with our little boy.  Stephen calls him when he can and that's good too.
 We're also hoping to make a trip back to Buffalo after Laurie gets home and has some time off. Ron hasn't seen Scott and Vi and Veronica in nearly two years....that's a long time for a Papa not to see his Veronica.
So I have the title all picked out for the scrap book.  It might sound familiar - an oldie but goodie.
Considering our family -ALL of us, and what we've been through and what is still ahead - it's a given really....

Love will keep us together.

When Words Get Stuck......




As we reach mid-January, we continue to count the months, weeks, and days (hours) until Laurie comes home from her deployment.  Having her here for Christmas was a wonderful thing.  R and R goes entirely too quickly, but you would be amazed at what a soldier and his/her family can pack into those two weeks.  And Laurie did about as much as she could while still getting some much needed catching up on sleep.  They took a trip with Kasey to see Disneyland, the San Diego zoo, and of course, Lego Land.  The house was pretty quiet while they were gone and I think they thought we were ready for the quiet.  Not so.  Quiet can be good, but not THAT quiet. Knowing that they had some wonderful family time that they will remember for many years to come was worth Ron and I having to put up with each other, though. LOL.

But there was the reality of Laurie knowing that before  her deployment is over, Stephen will be beginning his.  We've known this for several weeks now - putting it into a post just wasn't possible. And I wanted to get through the joy of the holidays without thinking about what is ahead. It's not something we could even think about, and yet as time goes forward, so does the reality and the need to come to grips with it all. Stephen will be leaving soon for his pre-deployment training for the month of February, and not long after he comes home from that will be the deployment. 
Your prayers for us all would be so appreciated. 
God has given us a great gift these last months in our new church.  Our Pastor knows the path the Lord is asking us to walk on, and he is a good friend already.  Our church family has welcomed us with warm hugs and sincere welcome wishes.  His timing, as always, is perfect.
 Kasey will keep us busy, and we will keep him busy as well to  help the time pass; but I wish I could have a peek into his little heart to understand what he must be feeling.  Even if I could see, I probably wouldn't understand.  I don't even understand all that I am feeling, let alone a 6 year old little boy.
I'll try to keep up my posting on a more regular basis but please forgive me if the words get stuck and aren't easily put into a post.  But blogging is cleansing and good for the heart and mind so I really will try to visit here more often.
You are such a blessing to our family.

December in Our Town - A Wonderful Place To Be!






Last week, we attended the holiday program at Kasey's school....awesome, as all programs have been.  As last year's Holiday program did, the music director found another group of songs/skits/dancing which concentrated not just on the "generics" of the now politically correct "holiday" season, but on specifics.  Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, and Mexican traditions....as well as some traditional winter songs which the kids sang just beautifully.  Oh yes, as the title of this post might indicate, the program was titled 'December In Our Town.' 
The kids opened with the title song - 'December in Our Town - What a Wonderful Place To Be!' and the students from Kindergarten right on up to sixth grade were animated and enthused and awesome.  The sixth graders took the stage and did the speaking parts at first and they participated in the opening song too, but just did a wonderful job with their leadership jobs.  Each grade had a song about a different religion - Kasey's grade sang the song Innkeeper, which of course was about the innkeeper, Mary, Joseph and the stable and baby Jesus.  It was beautiful and yes, my eyes did leak a bit. 
After it was over, and when we went to the commissary for groceries, I was humming the title song and singing the only part I remembered which were the two opening lines.    But then I got down to the business of buying groceries - and preparing for a special person.  Kasey's mommy would be on her way home soon after that and I wanted everything to be JUST right for her R and R. 
Which brings us quickly to just the last day or two, when a determined pilot - despite Mother Nature and the airlines he works for - brought Laurie safely home.  As soon as she rounded the corner to the waiting area and saw Kasey, she ran to him with tears in her eyes.  As they hugged and kissed and Laurie looked at every single inch of Kasey's little face, Stephen, Ron, and I waited patiently as our little boy and his beautiful mom embraced. There were smiles and tears all around us as other soldiers greeted their families - and from others as they just looked on at the sheer emotion unfolding in front of them.  When Ron and  I got to give Laurie her hug, hers to us was long, and warm, and happy.
December in Our Town....God in His grace has truly made this a wonderful place to be. 

Thank you all for your prayers for our girl and for our family.  May God bless the rest of YOUR December.

The Comforts of Deployments



Okay, you might think the title of this post is a bit rhetorical.  What, you may ask, can you find that's comforting during the deployment of your child?   Yup, I had asked the very same question a long time ago - before Laurie even deployed.  It took the actual deployment to understand the answer.  I am finding several things - none of which, of course, are as comforting as having Laurie back home, but still offer moments of joy every single day. 
There is Facebook....that "social network" that can be such a pain in the neck sometimes.  I have been known to ignore some things about FB.  I fell for the "__________ has answered a question about Sue" thing once or twice, but some of the questions it asks are not exactly nice, so I gave up on that.  The Farm thing sounded like fun but I didn't really want to ask all my friends for 13 cows, or more chickens.  (Heaven  knows I cook enough chicken here for  the boys to start my own farm :). So,  basically, I use FB to see what is happening in my friends lives. And to see how many others walk in my shoes and who need or offer prayers with understanding.  
One morning, I discovered that Laurie was on FB at the same time as I was.  That doesn't mean I immediately started a chat with her - but I thought about how comforting it was to know that thousands of miles away in a war zone, I could see that Laurie was safe, and well, and making comments on FB.  It's a little thing, some would think, especially since I don't chat with her.  But to "see" her, and to read her comments or see the thumbs up "likes" that she gives to someone - it's a little thing that is HUGE to this mom. 
There are the emails I receive when I am online at the same time she is.  It's like God assuring me that she is doing okay.  Knowing that she is usually at the end of her day when I am at the beginning of mine, well, it's like crossing another day off her deployment.  No wait, it IS crossing another day off.  Small thing?  Hardly.
Skype.  Well, we are usually not here when Laurie Skypes with Stephen and Kasey BUT it's a given that on a certain day at a certain time, Laurie will be talking to her boys.  The internet connection may be spotty but they usually can have a nice chat with 3 or 4 interruptions. :)
Another thing is when she receives the packages we send.  When I pack them, I try to put the happiest things on the top - so that when she takes off the ton of tape I put on them, she can see a picture Kasey has colored, or a colorful envelope with a funny card and a letter inside.  An example:  Probably her least favorite classic family movie she saw as a kid, and a movie that is STILL being shown all the time, is The Wizard of Oz.  It seems the Munchkins - those adorable little people who belonged to the Lollipop Guild - scared  her as a kid.  So when I was shopping in Safeway not long ago and looking for a funny card,  there was a blank card with a picture of Dorothy and Toto, the Tinman, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion.  I laughed as I picked it up, got a few strange looks from the customers nearby, and immediately knew that was THE card I would be sending.  She enjoyed it and said that she laughed too when she saw it.  By the way, she still dislikes the movie intensely so I don't know if Kasey will ever get to see it.  I think it will be up to me to make sure he sees it while she is deployed.  I'll rent it one of these weekends.  LOL.

And then there is Faith.  Last Sunday we had an Army Chaplain fill in at our church while our Pastor was away,  and he did a question and answer session during the Bible Study hour after worship service.  I was able to share that Laurie is deployed, what she does, and the fact that not long ago, Laurie and her staff were required to see and do something a parent would never want their child to see or do.  He cringed and said he would pray for  her "because" he said, "I understand exactly what you mean. "  The cringe confirmed MY discomfort but the fact that he promised to pray for her confirmed the knowledge to everyone in that room that people of faith believe He is listening.  And answering.  And for those sitting around us, I believe it also made them thankful for their own children sitting in their Sunday school classes downstairs.
And this is the biggest comfort - the prayers.  I know that you are all praying for Laurie - and for us, and those prayers bring immense comfort. I have the assurance that He is listening and will answer them all, I trust, with His grace.
Thanks for stopping by.  And for all you do for our family.

Not JUST a Day for Numbers




Veteran's Day...November 11, 2011.
11/11/11. 
It's a day which some will think of first as a day of six ones.  But for those of us who love a veteran, who REMEMBER a veteran, or who love someone in active military service  it is a day we set aside for respect. And for honoring all those who came before us and fought for this land we call America.

My good friend Bruce wrote me an email  last night that included this, amongst other things:

TWO HOLIDAYS:

THANKSGIVING IS A DAY WHEN WE PAUSE TO GIVE THANKS

FOR THE THINGS WE HAVE

VETERANS DAY IS A DAY WHEN WE PAUSE TO GIVE THANKS

TO THE PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT FOR THE THINGS WE HAVE

 Dear Lord we thank you for those who fought, for those who died to keep us free, and for those who LIVE to keep our land free.


Amen

Not Too Much Changes.....Well, Maybe One or Two Things. 




As the weeks pass and we count the days in Laurie's deployment, (pretty soon we will be on the down side of the count) there are more things to think about.  And some days, as the news unfolds, these things are not always easy.  But this is why we have the blessing of prayer and knowing that He is listening.  No matter how many times we repeat the prayer, He listens.  And every day, He answers.  Day in and day out, war goes on around her unit, but the Lord keeps answering.  Even on those days when I am feeling afraid, somehow He gets me through them  Sometimes one foot in front of the other, but from sun up to sundown, He is listening.  
The last couple of weeks in church I have found myself just taking a moment or two to pray.  The choir might be singing their joyous anthems, Pastor might be preaching his sermon (and I try to always keep listening but that's hard when you are trying to pray at the same time :), or the ushers might be working their way back with the collection plates during the offering.  And it feels like He is nudging me.  The prayers are not always for Laurie's safety, but a thank you for His grace.  I think it's pleasing to Him to hear those prayers of thanks and not just those of asking for something.  Don't you think so? Trust me, and I think He knows this too, I never take Him for granted.   But I  always know He is in our corner...watching, protecting, and loving. 
One thing I have to keep in mind ALWAYS...my family counts on my trust in Him, and that I am not afraid. That's a pretty tall order sometimes and I know they know better about the fear thing - I am, after all, a mom.  I know that Laurie prays as well so we are together in that because we pray for the same things - family, protection, thanksgiving. And a lot of times, my prayers are for strength for us all.  The world can be a frightening place, can't it?
We don't talk too much with Stephen about what's going on over there.  He doesn't watch the news (not a bad choice - maybe I should try this), and doesn't really want to know about it either.  We don't listen when Laurie calls on Skype because it's none of our business, and what Stephen wants to share, he shares. 
The one other thing that is changing is that, after almost giving up on it, the afghan is nearly done.  The boys (Ron and Stephen) are taking back all their suggestions that I buy one instead of knitting one) and Stephen said a VERY interesting scrap book for me to make to go with the afghan would be the process of how the knitting of it  has unfolded.  Never mind this, Stephen!  That it will be done in time is the good thing, right?
And so, as we wait for yet another mountain snow storm which is supposedly on its way, I'll keep on counting, keep on praying, and trusting.  (and knitting). It's a good day for baking an apple pie, and for some knitting and purling. 
Thanks for stopping by - you are a blessing to me and to our family which we are so grateful for.

Time Has Wings




This post is waaay overdue but sometimes it just can't be helped.  I appreciate your coming back to see if I am still in this blogging business.  So many times I have sat at this computer, knowing what I want to say, but not knowing HOW to say it.  Not usually a problem for me.  :-)
We are working our way through Laurie's deployment - 5 months now - and at times the going has been rough. But God has been with Laurie - and with us.  While we have had a good dose of some of  the realities of what Laurie is being asked to do over there, I am calming down again from this whirlwind time in our lives and back to why God gives us the faith to endure.  And as always, it's the comfort needed to renew our trust.

With Fall here in it's full beauty, and with the temperatures here on the mountain getting more chilly as each day dawns, we are finding that the down comforter on our bed is so welcome at the end of the day.
Kasey is nearly done with his first 10 week term at school and is doing well.  For the most part, the early morning getting ready for school days have been uneventful.  With Stephen working long hours, our days are full, but I have come to enjoy the morning, afternoon, and evening routines we have come to set with housework, cooking, homework, appointments, and having some time to go out and about for some "me" time.  I  have enjoyed being in worship on Sunday mornings, and now attend the Bible study during the Sunday school hour as well.  my neighbor and friend has asked me to join a knitting group at her church - lots of fun. My friend Sharon and I try to make sure to have coffee together one day a week - a time of sharing which is always nice.  And then there are Friday mornings, when I get to spend an hour or so with Kasey and some of his classmates as a volunteer for reading groups at school.  I love the way his face lights up when he sees me enter the classroom,  and especially love hearing his input during the question and answer part of the hour after reading the story.  It also makes me happy to have his classmates say hi to me on the mornings I take Kasey to school - or, as it happened  the other day, when a little girl in Kasey's class showed me her new lunch box and gave me a narrative on it.  Fun times.
But most of all, I am enjoying the fact that, as the days pass quickly here, they are passing quickly for Laurie as well. I enjoy the "grocery lists" she sends us when I tell her I'll be shopping for another package.  She always starts out, "Dear Shoppers."  This last time, we sent 3 very full (and heavy)  boxes.  When she sends an actual shopping list, Stephen always pays and I do the shopping.  I love those shopping trips because they aren't for groceries here at home, but rather for Laurie.  The last big boxes we sent, Laurie was so excited to receive them.  She will be receiving these 3 new boxes very soon and I can't wait. Sometimes (okay, more than sometimes) when I read her thank you emails, I cry.  To think that it takes such little effort to bring her happiness in the midst of where she is. 
And so, time is showing us that, indeed, it has wings sometimes.  And I thank God for this. I find myself thanking Him for many things these days.
Thanks for stopping by, my friends.
May God bless our troops - no matter where they serve.

Neither Rain, nor Sleet, nor Dark of Night - and War?  HECK NO!!!





Early last week, we got an email from Laurie requesting a few things for the next care package.  Since we were between social security checks and a little short on funds, I asked Stephen if he could lend us some $$.  He said "you've paid for nearly all of them - this one is on me."   So, armed with my list and his $$, off to the commissary I went...on a mission.  And I went through the commissary, putting things in my cart and checking them off the list.  In less than 30 minutes, (record time for me and the commissary), I was at the cash register and out.  And except for trying to find my way around the construction detours, NOTHING could dampen my enthusiasm.  I got home, unloaded all the stuff on the counter, and started packing it all in boxes, then changed my mind so Stephen could see everything when he got home from work.  THEN, I started packing and when Laurie Skyped that night to practice Kasey's spelling words with him, I said to her, "mission accomplished - boxes being mailed tomorrow."   And so, when we picked up Kasey from school the next afternoon (10 out of 10 spelling words right for his spelling test that day- AWESOME Kasey!), we went to the post office and mailed two very heavy large flat rate boxes to Kasey's mommy.  I think it's important for Kasey to see the entire process - all the things purchased, (sometimes he goes with us to shop if he's not in school), the packing, and especially the mailing.  It tells him that Mommy is in a place where the everyday things we take for granted are not available to his mommy.  And that's why it's so important to do it.  So when we put the boxes on the counter, the postal clerk said - 7 to 10 days.  But even if it gets to the APO address when it's supposed to, it's up to the Army to get it to her. But the staff at the Post Office know us now and always ask how our girl is.  This may be contrary to some post offices, but here, it's the norm.
Last night we skyped with Laurie again for Kasey's spelling words, and I told her the boxes should be there this weekend - or Monday by the latest.
This morning, I received an email from Laurie - boxes arrived in the hours following our skype conversation, and she was SOOO excited.  Do you KNOW what that does to a mom's heart?  (not to mention how it makes the eyes leak).
And so, I am already  making up the next box - and that will go out tomorrow.  Not so much treats as just stuff that I think will make her smile - catalogs, papers Kasey has done in school, a candle in a patriotic holder - just stuff that will make her smile.  And  pretty soon, it will be cool enough to send chocolate. Now THAT'S what I'm talking about.  :-)
I posted my happiness on FB this morning, and I just read a comment from my good friend Betsy - "how did that happen????"
It's anybody's guess....but I am so thankful.
Good work guys!
And thank you God.

HOOAH - The Cry of the American Warrior Since 1718




So here we are, into our fourth month of Laurie's deployment.   We are doing well, the time going quickly - now that Kasey is back in school.  He's doing well this year (knocking on the wooden table beneath my laptop).  Laurie Skypes at least once a week, and on the first day of school, she called Kasey in the morning before he left for his first day as a big boy in 1st grade.  Last week, she Skyped one night as she began her day and we were wrapping up ours, to help him with his spelling words.  Stephen told Kasey the night before he went back to school, as he was getting all Kasey's things ready, and while I packed his lunch, that being a good boy and doing well in school was his job to do during the time his mommy is away.  We all have our jobs, some easier than others.  But even Kasey knows his job is no less important than any other. 

The 10th anniversary of  9/11 will be here this weekend.  Not something to celebrate, but a day to remember.  But as terrible as that day was, we can give thanks for the American spirit we witnessed every day thereafter.  Ron and I have been watching some of the special interviews aired on National Geo this week - especially we caught President Bush's interview.  I could watch that interview every single day and still not fathom what it must have been like for him as our nation's leader trying to console every single American -especially the families of those who did not survive. 

What I remember that day, as I sat at my desk at the University of Buffalo - I attempted  to process financial aid while so many of our students from NYC stood around the TV in the Student Union wondering if their families were okay knowing that we would be at war soon.  Laurie - and the hundreds of thousands of other American troops had gone from serving in time of peace to a time of war.  She was doing some training in TX - learning about the attacks in bits and pieces from the instructors - and I remembered the young men and women in the NCO leadership class she had graduated with less than a month before - and that some of them were stationed at the Pentagon.  And Scott, at home in Hamburg, was also watching it - knowing that his little sister was about to become more than a soldier.  She would be a warrior.  And now - she IS a warrior. 

And so, the title of this post.  You see, a long time ago, when we were visiting Laurie, she took us to one of those little stores outside the main PX. I love those places - tee shirts, pins, you name it.  Anything the military mom could want.  I found a tee shirt that had a logo on the front - a simple logo that spelled out - Hooah. And on the back, it says "Hooah - the Cry of the American Warrior Since 1718."  It's a shirt that has gone through various times of struggle - Stephen's deployments, Laurie's school and separations from her family, and all the time we have spent with Kasey.  There were times when it didn't fit me due to weight gain, so it sat folded in my drawer.  But having lost the weight, it is a staple in my casual wardrobe.  Most people don't know what the symbol on the front of the tee means - but if they read the back, this Hooah word might ring a bell.

The day after 9/11 I had an eye doctor appt.  I had gone to this doctor for several years. The nurse knew that I was the mom of a soldier, and asked me how I was doing.  She made some notes in my folder as to how the 9/11 attack was affecting me. And then the doctor came in, asked how I was and I said "it's not a very good day to be a military mom."  And he said, "It's about time they do some work."  It took everything in me not to get up and walk away, but I didn't.  I bit my tongue, said nothing to him - and I mean nothing, unless it was about my eyes - and I walked out of that office and never went back.  My own way of saying "Hooah."   When I called and canceled my next appointment a few months later, I told the nurse WHY I was canceling it. She sounded sympathetic and apologized for the pain it must have caused. She asked if I would come back if the doctor apologized and I said no thank you.  Perhaps not very gracious, but I found a new doctor who asked me why I was changing doctors - and I told him why. He didn't know what to say, so he just shook his head and said he was sorry. I appreciated that. We all have our own ways of saying Hooah, don't we?

And so, as I sit here on a chilly Colorado morning, the tee shirt still fits well.  I am about to put on a sweatshirt - I think summer is over here - but  will know that underneath is a tee shirt that announces the warrior's cry.  
To ALL of our American warriors - serving in all branches of the military - HOOAH!!  It's said in various ways depending on the branch you serve in.   I am proud of everyone who wears a uniform.  
It's not just an Army thing - and it's a cry that lets your fellow Americans know that nothing can take away your spirit.

And oh yes, this tee shirt which has been washed SO many times, has never faded.  Not at all.  Just like the spirit of the warriors who cry out the word.  And those who love them. 

God bless our troops - and the America they protect and serve.

Come Hell or High Water....or War.


Today was Kasey's first day back to school.  The morning went smoothly - Kasey got up great, had a two waffle breakfast, and put on his new duds.  Lunch was all packed, backpack had all of his school supplies, and he was ready to go a half hour early.  Trying to keep him busy for a half hour without cartoons, or computer games, or anything like it was fun.(not!), but we made do.  I was getting ready  myself when the phone rang.  I caught it on the third ring on the phone in Laurie and Stephen's room, and when I heard the familiar delay after I said "hello," I knew it was Laurie before her wonderful voice came over the wire.  We talked for about 15 seconds and then I told her I love her and handed the phone over to Kasey.  Listening (but not being obvious about it) to Kasey's conversation with his mom, I smiled.  Funny thing, I knew she would call.  It's what a mom does - when you can't be there to do all the fun stuff yourself on those important days, you make sure you talk to your child.  Come hell or high water, wherever you are, you tell him good luck, wish him a great day, and most of all, you tell him "I love you very much."  And even though the conversation is only a minute or two long, it means the world to that child...and to that mom, who is so far away...but here at home too. 

To this mom, remembering those 1st days of school from longer ago than I care to remember,  it made this day so much easier on my heart, knowing that my little girl got to speak to her little boy on such an important occasion. 
I wish the picture above could be of Laurie and Kasey - but I hope it means as much to Kasey as it does to me that I can be here to help him during this school year.  I'm sure we will have our share of struggles,  but we will do as our family always does.  We will pray, and trust, and get by...no matter what.

Door Number.....?



After the events in Afghanistan this weekend,  I knew that it was time for me to find a church home. God bless those who were lost yesterday, their families, and friends.  And our nation's military - they are the best of the best.  Seeing Laurie on Skype this weekend had a whole new meaning - and the thanksgiving to see her and talk to her was such a blessing.


God has helped me to realize that I can practice my faith in the world, but it's time to sit in a pew on Sunday, to worship and hear the spoken Word.  To be fed, so that I can help to nourish others.  While I haven't worshiped in a church regularly since we left Hamburg, my faith has not left me.  I still pray, still study Scripture, and thankfully, I know in whom my Salvation lies.  This is not my doing and that nothing I do will gain that for me.  Jesus paid the debt for me on a cross on a lonely hill long ago. 
But someone reminded me the other day that when we lived in Hamburg, practicing my faith in the church of my choice was a VERY important part of my life.  To be in a pew on Sunday mornings with my fellow Christian sisters and brothers began and ended my weeks.  Sunday was the first day of my week, and also the last; the Sabbath when being fed Spiritually would get me through each day of the coming week.

And so, this morning, God led me through a door.  Sure, it was a warm and sunny morning, and the door was wide open, but it was as if God was saying to me personally, "welcome to your new home, daughter." The ushers greeted me with a smile, and the service's liturgy was one I knew by heart.  It felt like God really was welcoming me home. In the hymns as well.  I made mental notes during the entire service of what I liked - of what made me feel like I was home. It was a long list.    After receiving the Lord's Supper, it felt complete. The closing hymn, How Great Thou Art, brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat as it always does.
And the welcome by several members after the service was awesome.

Ron hadn't attended with me - I was the one to "check it out," so to speak. Something was different for me - the usual butterflies were missing - I walked into this church with hope, and with assurance - not with any nervousness at all.  And when I got back into the truck after the service was over, I said "this is our new church home."  Next week he will attend with me. 

I've always known that entering a church - going through the door He leads us through - isn't anything like "Let's Make A Deal."  No deals with the Lord.  He asks very little - but gives so much in return. He doesn't require us to be in a church every Sunday, but oh my goodness, it's such a blessing to BE there.  Old or new, that door offers so much...not just a home, but a heart that knows for sure He's right again.
Why should that surprise me?  He is ALWAYS right.

This post is for my friend, Nancy.  She's always right too. I love you, Nance.  

Treasures in Jars of Clay



Thanks for coming back.  I know, I know, it's been awhile. 

We are two months into Laurie's deployment now - never thought when she left that I could get past the first day.  But the days and weeks are passing quickly for her - and for us as well.  I suspect busy-ness has something to do with it. She is busy there - thank goodness, and is able to Skype once a week. She looks good and looks forward to letters and packages - she shares everything with the other soldiers in her unit so I always try to send a variety of things. We try to send pictures by email of Kasey doing just the day to day things, and of anything special that might be going on.
For me, it's taking care of the house, and cooking,  and most important to me, making sure that my 3 Colorado men - big and little - get through the days.
And of course sending letters and packages to a faraway place. 

Then there is my 4th guy back in Buffalo trying to get through this deployment too.  I know that Scott always has his little sister on his mind even with the things he and Vi are trying to prepare for. They are doing well, but Vi has surgery again in a few weeks to re-do the original surgical procedure which needed undoing in emergency surgery because of the infection that set in only a couple of days after the original. I can't go back to Buffalo this time and so I hope he understands that his mom and dad are there in spirit and in our hearts.  Tough decisions for a mom and dad. They (and we) are hoping they might be able to get here in the fall for a week or so when Vi's doctor allows her to travel. We will try to help them as much as possible with their airfare. 

Kasey is doing pretty good - misses his mom, but we are trying to do at least one fun day out every week.  We've been to the movies twice this week - on Tuesday my friend  called and asked if Kasey and I would like to go to the movies with her and her daughter.  We did and it was a lot of fun.  We saw Zookeeper and it was a cute movie.  The next day Ron and I had a planned "date" with Kasey - movie (Mr. Popper's Penguins - really cute), Wal-mart and out for dinner.  Although we were hoping that Stephen could join us for dinner, his hours were too long for that.  But we  had a great time - and somehow, at Wal-mart, Kasey even talked Grandpa into buying him a sizable water gun.  Not the "soaker" but a respectable size.  LOL. School will start in less than a month so we are making the most of the time we have left. 

I sometimes wonder, from day to day, what the next day will bring. But unless we have appointments or something, we take one day at a time.  I have had my "bad" Laurie days when I wake up in the morning missing her and worrying about her.  And it's really pointless because by the time our day is getting started after breakfast, hers is over and she is on her way to dreamland.  This makes the time go more quickly also since we go by the days on her calendar, not ours.  :-)  

As a result of the trip to AZ, I have been to a hearing aid specialist and am now awaiting a pair of hearing aids. One for both ears.  They will help with clarity, and with actual hearing as well.  The doctor said that I might find the improvement hard to get used to since my hearing has been so limited for so long.  I'm thinking this will be something I will adjust to in no time. :)  How thankful I am that my insurance covers all but $360. 

You might find the title to this post a bit odd, but I base it on the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:7 which says:   

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."   

You see, I am just me - a wife/mom/grandma - fragile as any other human being, susceptible to breaks and cracks as are jars of clay.  But in me, when I feel that fragility and I think I have to do everything,  or BE everything, I also know that it won't be by MY strength, but by what God and His Son do to help me through. It's stronger than any strength I could summon on my own...none of this is my own doing, and I am SOOO thankful for that. 
I am only the fragile jar of clay and He and the gift of His Son are the treasure.  Thankfully, God has also given me the faith to know that I carry that treasure - but again, not by my own doing.

Blessings my friends and thank you for stopping by, and for your prayers.

God bless our troops, and those who love them.

As Time Passes....



SO, here we are at nearly a month into Laurie's deployment.  We are hunkered down for the remainder - only 11 months now - but some days it's a bit hard.  Okay that's a lie....it's REALLY hard.  But we are in good company with hundreds of thousands of other military families and so I often stop what I am doing and thank God that I realize it's not just all about us.  The days have passed quickly for me - trying to keep busy with Kasey, and cleaning, and all the things there are to do here at home. The puppy is doing her best to be beautiful, but she is a puppy after all, and it's a darned good thing that she IS beautiful or she would be outside a great deal of the day.  The honor system isn't working real well yet (those beautiful brown eyes which say, "okay grandma, you can let me out now, and I'll be good the rest of the day" can be very deceptive),  but we'll get there.
I tell her that all the time just so she doesn't forget that her humans are the boss.  Yup. Sure we are.

Laurie is settled at her duty station and she likes where she is.  We finally got the correct address for her so hopefully the packages we sent to the first one will be forwarded to her from the base she was at in the beginning.  She usually skypes on the weekends so we get to see  her and I can give the okay that, yes, she looks good.  Tomorrow I am going shopping for her next package (s).  I try to pick up this and that every time I shop but still, it takes awhile to get a good package together.  We email occasionally but I let her take the lead on that since her internet time is limited right now and she does, after all, have Stephen to keep in touch with.

And so, as time passes, I realize that as a wife/mom/grandma/friend I do not have a job description.  It's whatever God/my family/those I love need me to be. 
Please, Lord....help me each moment of every day to be what YOU need me to be. And Lord, please bless our troops and every single person who loves them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!



To the best Army ever to be formed in the world, HAPPY 236th BIRTHDAY to our US ARMY. 

May God bless each and every soldier who has ever, or still does wear the uniform of a US Army Soldier.


Today is also flag day.  Our proud symbol of America - the STARS and STRIPES....adopted on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress.  Back then there were just 13 stars but she flew just as proudly as she does today.  

May God bless America and those who keep her free. 

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.



When I changed the background for Two Star Mom a couple of weeks ago, this one seemed to fit the bill very well. 
This being Memorial Day, I could say a lot....with Laurie being deployed it casts a new light on our days. 
But I will just say thank you to the Armed Forces and their loved ones.  For those who gave all, and their families, we know you are remembering them today as you do everyday.  Just know that WE are also remembering them as we SHOULD remember them every day. 

And to those who serve NOW, I pray God's loving hand upon you no matter where you serve.  You give us so much in your service. 
Namely - Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

A happiness that sometimes means a warm puppy and his little boy.

God bless our troops and those who love them.