Thursday Thirteen #16

Thirteen positive thoughts or actions
1. A new year is around the corner.
2. The after Christmas sales are almost here.
3. Call a friend who lifts your spirit
4. Make a list of 100 things that make you happy
5. Investigate What being good to yourself means
6. Watch a movie that makes you feel good or makes you laugh out loud
7. Be grateful for what you do have
8. Buy something for yourself and do not allow yourself to feel guilty
9. Read a book you found totally absorbing
10. Tell your spouse or significant other you love them
11. Smile and say hello to ten people
12. Send a friendship card to someone special
13. Make a meal that you totally enjoy.

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Thursday Thirteen #14

Thirteen Ways to survive the Holidays
1. When I'm feeling financial strain- I have a cup of tea and be thankful that I have a job and know that the bills will eventually get paid. Others don't have jobs, some don't have homes.
2. When feeling lonely because David won't be home for Christmas I try to do something in honor of his service in the military and know he is doing what he can to make someone else's holiday a little better. This year I will read a poem at our office Christmas party about the night before Christmas when Santa visits a lonely soldier's quarters.
3. When feeling sad that David will be in a foreign land serving his country I sent him two boxes of homemade goodies.
4. When feeling nostalgic I wear a holiday pin that David gave me when he was about three years old. It was a plastic Merry Christmas pin with a nurse on it. He only had $1.00 to spend; he went to the clerk and whispered "I want to get my mom a present". She took him over to the case with different pieces of jewelry and holiday pins. When he spotted the nurse pin he told her "I would like that pin, please". I think the pin was a little more than a dollar but the clerk sold it to him for the dollar he had. Back in those days Kay's Family clothing was the small town clothing, sewing supply and country store. Today that store is no longer there but I have fond memories of shopping in Kay's Family Clothing.
5. When thinking of friends and family that I haven't seen for a long time; Phil and I write a Christmas letter with the year's news in hopes we might hear back from them and hope they are doing well.
6. When I stress that I haven't bought everything that I think my loved ones want; I have to remember that Christmas isn't about getting everything on the wish list, but humbly remembering all the wonderful blessings, the simple joys of everyday living and all the good things the past year has bestowed, being ever hopeful for the coming year to be nearly as blessed.
7. Do something fun. Like wear the jingle bell earrings that drive Phil crazy and buy myself fruitcake even though I am the only one who will eat any of it.
8. Try to be sensitive to others that may not be as fortunate as I have been this past year. There is a mother in our office with an inoperable brain tumor that now has ruptured discs in her back facing surgery and i've heard of many workers have been let go due to budget deficits. It is important to try to lift spirits and share the burdens of others even when all we can do is listen.
9. Sending out Christmas cards always seems like one more thing to get done, however I so enjoy getting cards that I find the time to send out cards, that hopefully will lift a friends' spirits.
10. I remember past Christmas' when my dad was alive. He was so generous. If someone asked him for five dollars he would open his wallet; give them ten and never expect to be paid back. I always miss him especially at Christmas even though he has been gone 24 years.
11. I try to watch a children's Christmas program or Christmas carolers. I find them uplifting.
12. I try to stay connected to family and make phone calls to let them know someone is thinking about them.
13. I usually have one glass of eggnog in honor of my grandfather. He celebrated Christmas with what he called a 'white Christmas' eggnog with a shot of bourbon.

Happy Holidays everyone!
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Thursday Thirteen #13

Thirteen preparations for the holidays.

1. Buy a turkey, hopefully one that is on sale.

2. Buy all the ingredients for all the side dishes

3. Bought a new Christmas tree, one that already has lights and decorations. Costco had some real pretty ones that were not too expensive.  What a time saver!

4. Clean the house and put up decorations.

5. Buy the Christmas presents.

6. Wrap the Christmas presents.

7. Mail packages to out of town relatives.

8. Complete Christmas baking, cookies, fudge, popcorn balls.

9. Dig out the Christmas music. We have enough CDs with variety that we do not tire of the Christmas music.

10. Write Christmas cards.  I enjoy getting the Christmas cards especially the ones with a Christmas letter.

11. Remember to be thankful for all past Christmas holidays that make up wonderful memories.

12. Prepare for the office Christmas party with a white elephant gift and a gift for the gift exchange.

13. Make the traditional oyster stew for Christmas Eve dinner and leftsa for Christmas day dinner.

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Thursday Thirteen

13 things I will miss this thanksgiving because my son is in Iraq
1. I'll miss making him eggo waffles with butter and syrup in every square.
2. I'll miss reading "Cup of Christmas Tea" with Dave.
3. I'll miss the big bag of laundry to wash before he leaves again.
4. I'll miss him asking for leftsa.
5. I'll miss his teasing and mischief smile.
6. Ill miss him laying stretched out on the floor in front of the TV.
7. I'll miss him at the diner table telling me he is stuffed after I've asked him for the 5th time what else he wants to eat.
8. I'll miss the stories he shares about his skiing and rock climbing.
9. I'll miss reminiscing about what he was like as a little boy.
10. I'll miss his rare surprise kisses on the cheek.
11. I'll miss the sound of his footsteps on the stairs.
12. I'll miss going to a holiday movie with him.
13. I miss my son.

I am grateful for the time I have had with him and that he is healthy in mind and body to pursue what he enjoys in life.
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Customer Service

This is my favorite time of year. Even though I feel stressed about how I can afford to pay for Christmas I still enjoy this time of year. I was in a Hunting Goods store this last week and required some assistance from the sales staff to purchase a gift for my husband. The sales person was absolutely phenomenal. I felt like I was his only customer (although there were several waiting at the counter) and that he would have taken the entire day to help me with my purchase if needed. All three staff that I spoke to were delightful, helpful and stated if there was any problem with my purchase or we need assistance to come back and they would be more than happy to help. It has been a long time since I have experienced that level of customer service. You can bet I will be returning to Hammer's for future purchases.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day brought back memories of people I loved that chose to devote a part or all of their careers to the military. My older brother Mike spent 20 years in the Navy. I called him on Veterans Day to let him know I was thinking of him and to say thank you for choosing to serve. My father (who past away in 1984) spent 6 years in the navy and would have stayed longer however he had severe motion sickness that prevented him from serving on a ship. My grandfather (who also past away in 1984) served in the army in WWI. My son started his military career at West Point in 2001 and is currently serving in Iraq as a Captain. I have several cousins that served in the military. So to all Veterans and current Military thank you for what you have done and what you are now doing. Being an American is an honor and a privilege; because of you we have the freedoms we treasure. Thank you all.

halloween trick or treaters

We had a delightful time watching the little ones come up to the door to trick or treat. We had our usual large number. Our street is a popular route for the children. This is the first year in about three that I actually was able to be at home and pass out candy. The most darling costume was a six year old girl dressed as a bride, whose mother (or someone) had made her a wedding dress. The material looked like it had one been someone's wedding dress and her trick or treat bag was a white matching purse accompanied by a beautiful lace head dress. The most creative costume was a young boy maybe 9 or 10 that carried a cardboard sign that read "Candy needed, anything will do, God Bless thank you. Our city has seen several street corner loiterers with signs over the months that would read "Hungary, will work for food, God bless thank you". All in all it was a delightful evening topped off with a CSI.

Thursday Thirteen Edition #11

13 things to do after work when out of town
1. Go window shopping
2. Go to Costco
3. Have a picnic in a scenic spot
4. Go to a movie
5. Join happy hour in the lounge at the hotel you are staying.
6. Play bingo, go to a comedy club
7. Take a tour of the area
8. Go to the library
9. Read a book
10. Check out if there is a church function for the denomination you belong to.
11. Get on the computer at the hotel.
12. Write letters.
13. Soak in a hot tub to your hearts content.

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Troubling news

Earlier this week I heard on the news of a black hawk helicopter going down in Iraq and soldiers died. After watching the news, for 48 hours I was anxious. I know my son is doing what he was trained to do and he is exceptional in his skill and abilities, however as a mother I will be relieved when he is deployed out of Iraq (which isn't scheduled any time soon). My heart and prayers go out to those parents and family members who lost soldiers in that crash.

Thursday Thirteen Edition #10

One of my son's favorite snacks "Double Fudge Nut Cake"
Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. Ingredients:
2 cups sugar sift sugar & flour into a bowl, set aside
2 cups flour

1 stick butter (1/2 cup) put these three ingredients in a pan.
4 TBLS cocoa add water and bring to a boil
1 cup water While still hot pour over sugar/flour, stir well.

1/2 cup buttermilk add the last four ingredients.
2 eggs
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon vanilla Mix well

2. Pour into buttered 11X16 pan (1/2 sheet cake pan).
3. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees (no longer)
4. While cake is baking mix up the frosting.
5. Frosting:
1 stick butter (1/2 cup) put first three ingredients in a pan and heat
6 TBLS milk (regular milk or buttermilk can be used)
4 TBLS cocoa When mixed well pour over:

6. 3&3/4 cups of powdered sugar, mix very well then add
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla

8. As soon as cake is removed from the oven take a knife around the edges.
9. Pour frosting over hot cake and spread with a knife.
10. Sprinkle with nuts.
11. Let cake cool.
12. When cool cut into pieces.
13. Serve to your family.

Enjoy!
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Thursday Thirteen Edition #9

13 things to be safe when traveling
1. Make sure your cell phone is charged
2. Have in the car the car charger for your cell phone
3. Get directions online if you have not been there before
4. Have fluid levels checked in your vehicle before leaving town
5. Have a full tank of gas before getting on the highway
6. Take the confirmation number of your hotel reservations
7. Be sure someone knows when to expect a 'check in call' from you when you arrive at your destination.
7. Before getting out of the vehicle whether at a gas station or the hotel look around and see who is near you, if you are feeling uncomfortable there is a reason why. Pay attention to your instincts.
8. When checking in be careful to not allow strangers to see your room number at the hotel
9. When you arrive in the hotel room; check to see where the nearest exit is located or the nearest exit stairwell is located.
10. If you get pulled over only roll down your window far enough to hear what the officer is requesting and keep the doors locked.
11. When alone do not stop to help strangers, if you feel they need assistance call on the cell phone to the highway patrol with the stranded motorist's location.
12. Should someone approach you when you are coming out of a store or hotel asking for help, tell them you will be willing to go back into the store to get them help and then prompltly do so; do not let them detain you.
13. When heading back home call someone to let them know your expected time of arrival to your destination.
Having travel thousands of miles for work, often times by myself, I am amazed at chances I see women taking when traveling. To be safe a strong sense of caution is your best defense.
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Thursday Thirteen Edition #8

Mick's Jerky Brine used for wild game jerky
1. 1 gallon water
2. 2/3 cup salt
3. 1/3 cup vinegar
4. 1 1/2 cup pepper
5. 1/4 tablespoon onion powder
6. 3 shakes of Tabasco
7. 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire's sauce
8. 1/4 tablespoon sage
9. 1 1/2 tablespoon A-1 sauce
10. touch of chili powder
11. soak the strips of meat in the brine for 9 hours in the refrigerator
12. remove from the brine
13. lay on smoking racks and put in smoker for 8 hours.

My son loves almost every flavor of jerky made.
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Added note: The last post now includes the link to the new website I mentioned.
Defendersown

New website to visit

Hard to believe we are into September. Time for hunting season and preparing for fall. We loaded 2 tons of pellets into our garage, purchased a new cover for our old camper (the wind demolished the cover we had) and looked at the catalogs with all the new Halloween items. Speaking of things that are new, I was notified of a new website Defendersown . It is a website for military personnel and family members. Take a moment and check the site out.
Please visit again on Thursday Thirteen where I will share a recipe for making jerky, one of my son's favorite snacks.

Thursday Thirteen Edition #7

Thirteen thoughts for the week
1. Never pass up an opportunity to be quiet.
2. Quickest way to gain control of a meeting is not to talk louder but to be silent.
3. Be like a postage stamp-stick to one thing till you get there.
4. Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
5. Ninety percent of the friction of daily life is caused by the wrong tone of voice.
6. I don't know the secret to success but the key to failure is to try to please everyone.
7. If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything.
8. The best bridge between hope and despair is often a good night's sleep.
9. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.
10. If one looks there is always someone who is in worse shape than oneself.
11. Contentment is not getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have.
12. It isn't hard to make a mountain out of a mole hill, just add a little dirt.
13. Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.

Congratulations to my nephew Jerry & Kandy on the birth of their beautiful baby girl today!

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Back to school

When both of my children were school age they both looked forward to the starting of school. They were excited about new clothes, new backpacks and seeing their school mates. The first day was always fun. When they would come home all excited and would tell me about their new teachers, their classmates and whether they thought they would like the classes they were taking. The first week they required lots of encouragement to devote time to doing the homework that was assigned. One of the things that helped I was back in college working on my bachelor's degree so all of us would sit down together and do homework.

Thursday Thirteen Edition #6

13 things I mailed to my son when he is overseas.
1. Goldfish crackers (his favorite)
2. Beef Jerky
3. Playing cards
4. sudoku game
5. Climbing magazines
6. pictures
7. brownies
8. movies
9. books
10. Fire ball jaw breakers
11. Lemon Head jaw breakers
12. taffy
13. Top Ramen noodles
These were not mailed all at one time. I mailed a package a week during his first tour in Iraq. Post office staff and I were on first name basis.

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Thursday Thirteen Edition #5

Thirteen favorite movies
1. The day after Tomorrow
2. Top Gun
3. Hunt for Red October
4. Good Will Hunting
5. All the Harry Potters
6. Chronicles of Narnia - Price Capsian
7. Quigley Down Under
8. Second Hand Lions
9. Finding Forrester
10. As Good as It Gets
11. Scent of a Woman
12 Open Range
13. Don Juan DeMarco

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Happy Birthday

Today is my younger brother's birthday. So I made him a triple chocolate fantasy cake and we are barbecuing steaks on the barbie tonight accompanied with hot fresh rolls, baked potatoes and salad. I am so glad we are together to celebrate his birthday. My brother and I spent 5 years in St.Joseph's Children's home in Torrington Wyoming growing up, so I feel especially close to him. He is a terrific brother and friend.

Thursday Thirteen Edition #4

Thirteen ways I like to spend quiet time

1. Soaking in a herbal bath
2. Taking a nap
3. Reading a book
4. Walking/swimming/trimming my roses
5. Daydreaming "If I could meet anyone in the world who would it be?" and "What would I tell or ask them?"
6. Looking through photo albums, especially of my children
7. Looking through my stamp collection
8. Praying
9. Writing down my goals for the next six months
10. Getting a massage
11. Planning something special for a holiday
12. If I didn't have to have money to pay bills and could choose to do anything I wanted, what would it be?
13. Crochet

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Promotion news

I have good news, my son David, has been promoted to Captain. I am at a loss, can some one help me? Is there something special you give someone who has been promoted? Look forward to your replies.

Thursday Thirteen Edition #3

Thirteen things I loved about my children as they were growing up
1. Childhood innocence
2. Energy levels
3. Their new perspective looking at things
4. Their laughter
5. Uninhibited Hugs
6. Phone calls
7. When they say "I love you"
8. Sharing information about something new they learned
9. Their excitement
10. When they remember my birthday
11. Gifts they gave me that were handmade.
12. Accepting me even when I made mistakes
13. When they share something with me that is important to them.

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Thursday Thirteen

alarm clock

I was thinking back as to what I tried to do to teach my son and daughter responsible behavior. I remember when they started the 7th grade they thought they were old enough to stay up later, don't all kids think they have to go to bed too early! So I decided that wasn't a battle I had energy for, so I bought alarm clocks. I told them yes I believed they could make a responsible choices so they could decide what time they should go to bed and here is an alarm clock. You will be responsible for setting it and getting up when it goes off. If you over sleep and are late for school I will not write a note for you to be excused. This a new responsibility; remember the later you go to bed the harder it will be for you to get up. They struggled a few times before they made the connection. After awhile they were managing their time a little wiser. It was a win win situation, I didn't have to struggle to get them to go to bed or get up and they knew they had choices.

Thirteen Thursday #2 Imparting lessons

13 ideas I tried to share with my children when they were growing up
1. Pick your friends wisely, for you are known by the company you keep.
2. Sometimes friends will disappoint you, try to remember they are not perfect and neither are you.
3. Honesty is the best policy.
4. Own up to your mistakes. Don't make them twice.
5. Don't start a fight however if the fight comes to you don't be afraid to finish it.
6. Stand up for those who can not stand up for themselves.
7. Bad language should be reserved for the garage and if must be spoken do it in the garage!
8. Give the other individual the benefit of the doubt, someday you will need someone to give you the benefit of the doubt.
9. Think before you speak. Hurtful words are like a mirror that has been broken the cracks can not be repaired and once spoken the hurtful words can not be taken back.
10. When you speak ill of someone else, that reflects more on you than on the individual you speak of, with time others will form their own opinion of the person as well as an opinion of you and what you said.
11. Don't believe everything you hear and read.
12. Don't tell everything you know. A pint of example is worth a barrel full of advice.
13. It's the little things in life that determine the big things.

Summer Fun

It is Sunday evening and I'm trying to catch up the laundry getting ready for next week. We spent Saturday at Silverwood Theme park. Had a great time swimming and riding roller coasters. When Kim and David were kids I would try to take them to WaterWorld in Denver Colorado for a weekend swim. One year we were able to make it to DisneyWorld and enjoy the water park there. What fond memories.

Thirteen Thursday

Thirteen fond memories
1. Holding my daughter Kim and son David, for the first time.
2. Introducing David to his big sister Kim.
3. Introducing Kim and David to their Great Grandpa Rush.
4. David scaling the side of the crib, flipping himself over the rail and crawling out to the living room without making a sound and looking so pleased with himself.
5. Kim holding her little baby brother.
6. David eating lasagna the first time at his aunt Gail's.
7. David and Kim at Disney World.
8. Watching Kim and David graduate from Highschool.
9. Being a part of Kim and Eric's wedding.
10. Going with David to West Point for the first time.
11. Attending and being a part of Kim's graduation from her nursing program.
12. Attending David's graduation from West Point.
13. Attending my granddaughter Tolina's birth.

Please visit other 13 Thursday posts.

Family History

I was counting up the number of family members that I know of that have served or are serving in the armed forces. I started with my son, my grandpa, my father, my brother, two cousins, one uncle, two nephews and a niece, two brother-in-laws, tw0 father-in-laws and I am sure there are several more that I do not know about. I have several cousins that I have lost track of through the years and many relatives that I just learned about because my cousin was doing a family tree search. Sometimes family history can be so intriguing.

Debt we owe

We watched a program on the television about fireworks and science behind the display effects. Made me wonder what the troops are doing when deployed overseas and especially in a war zone. I'm sure they would much rather be home with family to celebrate the fourth. We have so much for which to be thankful and owe so much to the men and women who are are overseas protecting our interests and fighting for those who can not fight themselves.

Fourth of July

My family and I wanted to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July.  Have fun and be safe.

Army Mom

Cherries Cherries Cherries.......

The really good cherries have arrived! We have Johnson's orchards here and they produce the best fruit anywhere. Couple of weeks ago I purchased cherries from a store and the cherries were from California. The cherries tasted as if they had been frozen, lacked flavor and the texture was grainy. Next year I think I need to put in a garden. We paid $3.00 for one yellow bell pepper at this same store. I have to accept the fact the raising of prices has no end in site and with the tomato scare the only safe tomato is one grown in our own backyard.

E-mails bring sunshine

I received an e-mail from my son this morning along with a picture. What a day brightener! I was reviewing blogs this morning and came across one with several pictures of soldiers in Iraq going about their daily responsibilities. Seeing some normal activities that soldiers are involved in, helps with keeping my imagination in check. The pictures were very good and submitted by several different individuals.

The News will make you cry

This evening was overshadowed by the news. After listening to part of the news talking about the stock market dropping, gas prices escalating and the soldiers in the national guard losing their homes, I happened to be downstairs and heard on the television about 3 marines killed today in Iraq. I just wanted to cry. My son is in the army not the marines, however I can't imagine the anguish of the families of those men. I pray for strength for the loved ones left behind.

Honey Do

I can not imagine being without my husband. He is the sunshine in my life.However, if 'trying to remember how lucky I am', isn't working for me, then I get out the "Honey do list". Somehow all of a sudden there is a project that took on a whole new importance and voila! I am left in peace and quiet.Hope you find your peace and quiet.

An answer to Road Rage

I the way home tonight from work I had to chuckle. When I was younger I used to get annoyed at people who honk at other people; these days when someone honks at me I smile and wave. Some knuckle head was traveling way too fast for a residential area with children where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour. I was turning onto the street and he came barreling up behind me in his pickup truck (I drive a Durango). I stopped for the stop sign and then proceed to turn right, I wasn't moving fast enough for the knucklehead so he honks at me. I smile and wave as if he were my best friend. He of course looked extremely annoyed. I just smiled.

Pictures

I'm putting together a new collage of pictures of my son. I had one made in 2001 and had given that to his dad this June when he got remarried as a wedding gift. I had duplicate pictures made before I mailed the art work to him. This collage is a little bigger and about twice as heavy. My son had shared in one of his phone calls he had lost all of his pictures from his computer. So I'm trying to make a collage of the pictures he has sent. Hopefully he will send me some more pictures soon.

Pj's and Popcorn

After thinking about the weekend I decided that I can live without having my purse searched in order to go to a movie. So perhaps if enough of their patrons decide to boycott maybe they will get the idea that another plan should be instituted. I don't mind watching Movies at home. There are of course some distinct advantages, like wearing pajamas, pausing the movie if a bathroom break is needed, and putting on as much butter on the popcorn as one wants.

Purse no longer personal!

Yesterday evening my husband and I went to the movie theater to see a movie. We bought tickets and proceeded into the theater. At the position where they tear the tickets the young girl tells me she needs to look into my purse. I smile and say no. (there is nothing in my purse) She is taken aback by this and again says I need you to open your purse and look inside, again I smile and say no. An older girl was there with her and she began telling us that they needed to look inside my purse before they could let us in. I smiled and said no. (I came to the theater to watch a movie not be searched and I had a headache so of course cooperation was out of the question.) At this point my husband asks to see the manager. The manager comes over and trying to sound authoritative tells us he needs to look inside my purse to search for weapons, guns, knives, video equipment and drugs. Here we are two middle aged grandparents and they want to search my purse. I again smile and say no. At which point my husband requests we be refunded our money and we leave. I felt bad for the young lady taking the tickets, she should not be put in that position. If she found a gun, knife, video equipment or drugs what was she suppose to do? If they feel that type of clientele is coming to the movie theater the management needs to have the police there or trained security personnel. Its bad enough to have to be subjected to a search at the airports. (I have flown quite a bit since 9/11 and appreciate the airline attempting to keep us safe). I refuse to be searched in a movie theater in my home town that we have frequented over the past ten years at least twice a month. I wonder what David would have said if he had been with us.

Summer Fun

I feel as if we are in warp speed time zone. Here is it June 19th the year is almost half over. I can remember as a kid waiting anxiously for school to be out, to have the summer to sleep in, play and get into mischief. David graduated in 2005 three years ago from West Point. Seems just like yesterday. He has been in Iraq almost one month of a 15 month deployment. David is pretty versatile and adapts well to all environments. He has a way of making the most of a situation especially when there is no choice in the matter. Hope he is able to find some time to relax. I can not imagine what it is like to be in a war zone.

E-mail on Father's Day

David's dad did receive an e-mail from him on Father's Day. I am so fortunate that David's dad is such a terrific person. He forwarded David's e-mail to me. As parents we have both tried very hard to provide an environment in which both our children knew they were loved and that whatever one parent said the other parent backed them up. So although I continue to worry, for the moment I know David is alright.

Like many military traditions, the salute carries a rich history. Though nobody can pinpoint the precise origins of the hand salute it's a convention that extends across cultures, armies and centuries. In military life a salute is common courtesy, the acknowledgment of a superior, a simple expression of attention paid and respect given. At it's heart a salute is one of the hallmarks of the warrior spirit. I'm often sadden by the lack of example of fathers' to teach their sons the occasions for which a salute is appropriate, such as when standing at attention with their hand over their heart for the national anthem, the american flag and a funeral procession of a fallen soldier. When fathers fail to show respect for their country, the flag and national anthem, regardless if it is at a rodeo, baseball game or parade, they are setting an example to their sons that is disheartening. Men if you don't have the iron to teach your sons to stand for something you set them up to fall for anything. On a similar note talking about common courtesy, I wish that restaurants would post a sign at entrances that tells all patrons that it is customary to remove your hats when eating at the table and to not do so is an egregious social error and makes them look like clods. Perhaps that is too much to wish for in this day and age this is just one more example of fathers' not setting examples for their children. In another age, any male would have been mortified if someone had to remind them that a gentleman takes his hat off indoors. I know I've been hard on the dads; however, moms are just as much at fault for not expecting civilized behavior out of our sons. We take the time to teach our daughters to be modest; why don't we take the time to teach our sons to be courteous?

Happy Fathers Day!

What a beautiful day to celebrate Father's Day. I think back to my own father, who was the most soft spoken, gentle person I ever knew. I do not remember my father ever raising his voice to either my brother or myself. And he never spanked us. He raised us by example, he went to church every weekend. If someone came to him needing money without a second thought reached for his wallet and gave what he had. He was as nonjudgemental as a person could be. The most he ever made was $5.00 an hour and that was after working for the standard oil company 20 years. He saved diligently and loved his children and grandchildren to a fault. He would be pleased that I wrote today's blog entry in honor of him. I'm sure he is in heaven smiling down on us. I hope as I raised my children that I was able to impart some of those values that my father taught me. He served four years in the navy. I know he is proud of David serving in the army in Iraq.

Mail

I received an e-mail this week from the individual responsible for getting information to families of those serving in the 54th EN BN. The e-mail gave the address to which packages could be mailed. Although it was not a message from David it was information. So this next week I will try to get a package sent to my son. I have sent three letters to him thus far so am hopeful I will hear from him this weekend. At least with it being father's day, Sunday, chances are good he will call his dad.

What can one say that could possibly comfort a grieving family over the loss of a child? My thoughts and prayers are with the parents of the boy scouts that lost their lives in the tornado and all the families experiencing tremendous losses due to the flooding in the Midwest. May family and friends provide comfort to you all, at this difficult time.

Eat a banana and look 20 year younger!

Today is overcast and gloomy. Makes me wonder what the temperature is in Iraq. On days like today I find myself getting down. I read somewhere that if one takes measures to avoid getting too tired, too hungry or too lonely mentally and emotionally a person is able to have some control over how they feel. I have found this to be true. I have also found if I am involved in reading a book that provides a diversion for my thoughts helpful. Right now I'm reading a book titled Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System. The book says if one does not get the required amount of potassium daily you acquire an old age look. This is premature aging due to potassium deficiency.
So I'll eat a banana and tomorrow I'll look better.

Anticipation

Sunday evenings we are winding down from the weekend. The first time David was in Iraq he was so good to call every weekend to let us know he was alright. We didn't hear from him this weekend although he did e-mail last week saying he was in the middle east. He has always said no news is good news. Sometimes I will receive an e-mail from him at work so maybe Monday there will be word from him.

This picture is of Dave form his first deployment in Iraq; his is currently on his second.

Sometimes it would be just so nice to pick up the phone and call my son. Since that is not possible I try to think what I would say to him if I could talk to him. This exercise helps me in formulating my next letter to him. I don't know if he has even received any of the letters I have sent to him. Hopefully this weekend I will hear from him. Some day if he gets married and has children he will learn what it means to wait for a phone call, letter or visit. I'm happy he is able to do the work he loves and that he is healthy. I continue to pray for his safety and the safety of his men and wisdom for our leaders.

Encouraging to others

Today I was going through some older pictures of David and remembering how he developed skill as a leader. He was in Speech, cross country track, and enjoyed school. He was a team player and encouraged team mates to do their best. He was the one who encouraged the competitor who came in last. He would find something that was a demonstrated strength for that individual and assist them in developing that part of their performance. He didn't compete with others as much as he choose to try and improve his personal best.

Sunday Funnies

It is with so much pride as parents we witness our children growing and developing into the men and women we believed they could become. When that time arrives, It is accompanied with a sense of loss, the loss of knowing we no longer have the ability to protect or help them to manage the tough bumps in the road. As a parent of adult children, I have had to learn to be patient and quietly wait until the invitation is extended to share my thoughts. (I don't always succeed, but I try) When my son was deployed to Iraq, trying to communicate over the telephone was difficult at best, due to time constraints and often poor connections. The conversations are short and mostly only have time to say I love you and try to be safe. One strategy I've found helpful is to avoid watching the news on the television, write to David every week and include items in my letters that are upbeat and positive, such as the Sunday funnies.

GI Joe

From the time my son was able to choose his own clothes until high school the only pants I could get him to wear were the camouflage pants. We had the winter camouflage, green camouflage, dessert camouflage, any other style of pants were just not acceptable. As he grew we spent more and more time in the army surplus stores buying his required attire. Of course we had to have the complete set of GI Joes. His great aunt Ruth said he had the most shooting sounds of any little boy she ever saw. He would spend hours playing GI Joe. Remembering what he enjoyed as a child helps me remember he is doing what he loves.

David Loves to ski and be out doors, I think that is why he liked being stationed in Germany so much!

Nothing beats Mom's Cooking

Well the banana didn't work. I don't look any younger however I don't look any older either. I wonder what my son and his men had for supper tonight, if they had the ready to eat military meals or if they were able to eat in the base mess hall. My brother-in-law who was in the air-force sent us some ready to eat meals in brown heavy vinyl packages. I haven't been brave enough to try any of them to see what they would be like. He said they actually are not too bad and resemble the dehydrated meals that can be purchased in the backpacking supply retailers. Next time I talk to David I will have to ask him what he thinks of the ready to eat meals.

Introduction

I am the proud mother of a daughter and son. My children have been the best experiences of my life. Raising children is a combination of self growth, humility, elation, hope, worry, patience, learning, failure, happiness, pride, disappointment, and an appreciation of life. I know I didn’t do everything perfect, made many mistakes along the way, however I did some of the important things right. The most difficult was letting go and allowing my children to make their own choices. Trying to support them in those decisions even though I knew the road would take them far away was the most challenging. I did not realize just what that meant until my son made the decision to attend West Point Military Academy and now is stationed in Iraq.