Hooah !! ....545

They are BACK!!!!!

2007-03-16T00:12:00.000-04:00

BOOTS ON THE GROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have waited a long time to feel the impact of those words... what a wonderful feeling!!! I am so elated!!...My babygirls feet are back on home soil, and it feels fan-damn-tastic. I havent had the joy of seeing her yet, but it wont be long now, as plans are already in the works for all the for all the families to re-unite with their soldiers. I will post pictures of our reunion ASAP... Its been a long hard 15 months, but Ive never been more proud to do what small part I can to help make Poohys, time away as painless as possible. I truely thank all you bloggers for your kind comments and prayers as youve helped me thru it all, I truely appreciate your caring!!!!!.. Be back soon with pictures....HOOAH!!!!!!!!

Safe In God's Arms

2007-02-16T19:46:00.000-05:00

".... I always say thats our tears are a tribute to the feelings we have for our loved ones,so we should never hold them back. It's not a sign of weakness or sadness, but instead,a physical sign sign of our appreciation and affection for them. "

From "After Life" ~~ John Edward

~ Brittany Anne May ~

~ 11/08/1989 - 2/02/2007 ~

February 2nd, 2007... the day that the horrific tornados ripped through central Florida, causing widespread devastation, and much sadness. Im sure I speak for the whole nation, when I say that our prayers and thoughts were with each and everyone of you who were touch by the storms. We pray deeply for the families of the 20 who lost their lives, and the hundreds who lost their homes . My heart was broken on a more personal note. These storms deeply touched an immediate member of my family.....My sister-in- law, Claudia. She lost her beautiful Granddaughter, Brittany Anne May, taken by a fallen tree while she slept, as the storms destroyed the Lady Lake, Florida area.

Brittany, a 17 year old High School Sophmore and member of the ROTC, aspired to be a Pediatric doctor or nurse, and had a love for family, children and horses, and all the elements of being a typical teenage girl.

I truely feel that when we lose a loved one , especially a young one, that God has a much bigger purpose for them, and needed them in his presence. Believing that, brings a comfort, that helps us through our sorrow.

May God bless Brittany's family, her parents, grandparents and siblings, and give them peace. May your hearts find comfort, knowing that she is in the presence of the Divine, and will always be watching over you.

".....I believe that we all decide when to leave our physical body and "go home" or "join God". I don't think most of us are aware of this choice on a conscious level, although some people who are highly attuned to the spirit world, including children, sometimes are. But mostly, it's a subconscious "knowing" of the soul that it's time to leave this realm and move onward to the next one. Perhaps we've learned all we're capable of learning or need to learn here, and understand it's our time to "graduate." Or perhaps our leaving also involves teaching other people left behind important lessons of their own that they'll learn as a result of our departure."
From "After Life" ~~ John Edward

In Honor of those affected by this terrible disaster, I ask all that are reading this, and I challenge all military families to make a donation to the "American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund." If we would all forgo that "one fast food lunch "during the week, or cook and eat that extra "dinner out" at home, and donate that money to the people who really need it, we can all do our part to help the people of central Florida rebuild their lives , and perhaps ease their burdens, so that they may be able to rebuild and go on with their lives. It doesnt have to be a huge donation to be of help, alot of small donations add up, when we ALL step up to the plate.....what a great way to honor Brittany and all the others who lost their lives in this unexpected tragedy
Click here to go to the American Red Cross... http://www.redcross.org

Happy Valentines Day Mommy

2007-02-09T22:23:00.000-05:00

Wow seems like yesterday we were posting a Valentines day message for Poohy, and its been a year. Hard to believe shes been gone a year already. We are on the down hill slide of this deployment, we can almost see the light at the end of this long dark tunnel. Everyone wishes our soldiers a Happy Valententines Day, and may God return each and everyone home safely. Poohy... Punkin took some really great pictures just for you... hope you like your Valentine :)))

Home on Leave

2006-12-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

Poohy was recently home for 2 weeks leave time. I was so excited to have her home!
I must start out by thanking the passengers of that homebound Delta flight. Upon arriving at our airport, the people who had been sitting with Poohy were so excited for her to be home, to see her babygirl,( its been almost a year now!).. that they all stayed standing and allowed her to exit the plane first, What a beautiful, random act of kindness!!There really are so many goodhearted people left in this world!
My heart just jumped at the sight of her coming down the concourse.. my babygirl was home. That night my son came over to spend the night with us all, and for the first time in a longggg time, I slept like a baby. I had all my children under my roof, safe and sound.

The next two weeks flew by, we packed everyday with as much as we could. I treated my girl to a day of pampering, ..massage, getting her hair done, nails & toes. I felt she needed to get the royal treatment, to maybe make her feel like a "girly-girl" for a few days before heading back to the desert! Then there was Halloween and we all went "trick or treating". Punkin was a beautiful princess!Lombardi and her beautiful babyboy went with us, and we had a fun time.
Punkin had her 3rd birthday while Poohy was home and we had a grand party for her.All the family attended, and was a nice reunion.
Poohy also met up with a fellow soldier from her unit stationed with her in Iraq,also on leave , and a few soldiers from her unit who are stateside. She caught up with her best bud, SPC. Lombardi, and they all had a great "girls night out".

It was so hard to take her back to the airport, leaving again to complete her mission. But we all knew in our hearts that the time away would be much shorter this go around.
We are counting the days til we have our girl home for good. Just a few more months to go... I can hardly wait!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T21:07:00.000-05:00

Id like to take a moment to say "Mery Christmas and Happy Holidays" to all of our Military Service Men & Women. I pray that your holiday has been a bright one . You are all in my prayers, those here at home and serving abroad. May God watch over you and keep you safe. May He return each and everyone of you home to your loved ones, safe and sound... and very soon!! Punkin sends her Greetings to you all!!

Changes Changes

2006-12-15T00:08:00.000-05:00

Wow , hard to belive its December already!.. I appologize for my absence but so much has been happening here! Punkin had her 3rd birthday... Poohy was home on leave( Many pictures to come!) and to top it all off .. we have purchased a new home and have been renovating and moving for over a month. Now that we are settling in, I will post all the fun of the recent events, Poohy being home on leave was sooooooo wonderful. Punkin was estatic to see her Mommy, and we all had a wonderful time. She had a huge birthday, and I have lotsa pictures to share.
I sure have missed my blogging and am trying to catch up on visiting all my favorite blogs as well...Thanks for bearing with me !!

........and she said YES!

2006-09-01T21:33:00.000-04:00

I have come to believe that Love can be found anywhere... anytime... under any adverse conditions!Even the fact of being thousands of miles apart, with the soonest possible connection to each other being one year from now. Meet Sgt. Huffman, he was also a former member of the 380th Quartermaster Co., but now attached to another unit for deploment purposes. He,too, is now under deployment to Iraq, with an Ohio Maintenance Co. Unit. Over the past few months, a 5 year close friendship, has blossomed into a much deeper relationship. Mr. Huffman recently proposed marriage to my Poohy, and she has accepted!!!!! ( HOOAH ! HOOAH ! HOOAH !...Im not a happy Mom huh???lol ) The proposal... via email along with this picture, was one of the sweetest Ive ever seen. You can create romance even over all the miles... I am very pleased, and cannot think of a kinder, sweeter,or better man that I could wish for her to be joined with... I pray you both have a wonderful life ahead, and cannot wait for you both to complete your missions and return safely home to us and to each other. No date has been set as of yet, but I will surely post it when I know!!!!!

Pictures From My Poohy

2006-08-22T22:26:00.000-04:00

Its been awhile since Ive posted regular, its been quite busy around here! Gardening and canning... to birthdays, and holidays! My Poohy's Birthday came around this month, and it was quite hard spending the day without her. She and my Hubby share the birthday. We had a cookout and included her name on the birthday cake just like always. I sent her some homebaked goodies for her special day, but its just not the same Im sure. She told me via phone call that everyone there, made her feel special on her day, for that Im glad. This is the 1st year ever that Ive not been with my babygirl on her special day! She sent me some photos, and I was so excited to get them, so I figured Id share them here. From sandstorms to camel spiders... then throw in 145 degrees temerature last week, Im sure shes really missing home alot these days!She tells me the camel spiders really give her the willies, they can get quite large, and the run and jump really fast.She says shell never be scared of a plain old house spider ever again when she gets home...LOL. I love the picture of my babygirl where she managed to catch a catnap to get some relief from the heat! Theres a nice picture of a sunset/sunrise, and she says even with all the bad stuff she manages to see some beauty there :)) I guess it teaches you to appreciate the small stuff that we usually take for granted! Shell be coming home on leave in a few months... and I ~ JUST ~ CANT ~ WAIT !!!!!!

Time Out

2006-07-19T21:50:00.000-04:00

Recently I took a time out from the computer and the blogging world. Ive been overwhelmed with all the events in my life lately. With the holiday, the whole deployment thing, and those lovely events that happen all at one time, when you are least prepared for them. Everything from losing my glasses to every car on the place breaking down at one time...lol. Weve had record heat here, with not much relief, and of course the air conditioning WOULD act up during all of it. To top it off, in the course of our clearing 4 acres of brush and briars, the Yellow Jackets decided I looked like a prime target for attack. They had a hay day with me, but Im recovering quickly. Im sure everyone has had times like this right ? Well maybe ours will slow down, or God I hope so! I have alot of catching up to do on my blog, and will be back to posting regularly! Thanks for hanging in there with me :)))

Bad Day in Baghdad...

2006-06-21T01:01:00.000-04:00

I recently had the absolute worst week of my life. I truely know the feelings of panic and emotion when it comes to our sons and daughters serving in the military abroad. Up until now, Ive handled it quite well. I knew that my daughter was in a somewhat safe area of Iraq...( is there really a safe area anywhere over there??... my mind asks) I am quite lucky in the fact that I can talk to her quite frequently, and for that Im very thankful. I know many families dont get that opportunity.
Poohy has not had to view, first hand, the casualities and injuries of this war, she hears about them all Im sure, but I felt secure in the fact that she was not directly in the middle of it.
She recently had to travel to Baghdad for medical tests. I was worried about the travel "outside the wire".
It was to be her first time for that, since she arrived. She arrived in Baghdad, the day we here in the states, got the news about the raid on, and death of, Al Zarqawi, just north of Baghdad. Needless to say I went numb with worry. I knew she was closeby, and thats all I knew. Next came the car bombings in Baghdad, the day following Zarqawi's death. I hadnt heard any details on those... were they Iraqis'??, civilians??, soldiers?? My worry grew even greater. Your mind and imagination can really get the best of you, when you have no news or communication, to go on. It was almost a week before I heard from Poohy, and was almost beside myself by the time all those days passed, with no word. You can imagine my relief when I got that call...
She had the unfortunate experience of being at the medical facility, as med-vacs brought in many severly wounded people. I am assuming the injured were Iraqi's, tho she never said. She told me it was so awful to see the the injured, some mortally injured as well. More blood and mutilation, than she'd ever seen in all her life. They called for people to donate blood, and SGT T... who had traveled with her to Baghdad, did so. Many thanks to SGT T for that. We even give our own blood to save these people, but yet the terrorists believe we just want to "kill the Muslims" So many have given life and limb to SAVE these people.
Poohy also spoke to a Marine while there, who was wounded. He had just lost a fellow Marine in the truck they were in due to an IED.
All of this really hit home with Poohy. She now had seen, first hand, the tragedies of war. It was no longer something she learned in training, or had been told by other soldiers. She saw the bigger picture, and it was a traumatic awakening for her. People injured and dying for the cause of freedom. Its so sad, that many innocent also die in that cause.
I felt so helpless, listening to her relay her experience. Nothing in the "Mother's Manual" prepared me to know how to comfort her. As babies .. a Mom's kiss and a hug, can heal anything.. but for this?... no words I could have mustered on that phone, would have taken away her pain and emotion of what she had witnessed. I truely hurt inside, being unable to bring her comfort.
I have a much deeper respect for the parents and family of those soldiers who are in direct conflict on a daily basis. I cannot fathom what they must feel daily... not knowing from moment to moment the whereabouts and safety of their soldier. I thank God for protecting those in harms way, and also for looking after my soldier.

Thought Provoking Essay

2006-06-18T12:05:00.000-04:00

I recently recieved this essay via email, written by Dr.Vernon Chong a retired Major General retired from the USAF. It gave me chills to think of the possible changes in the world as we know it, if we even think of pulling out of this war. This idea is one you definitely wont see our polically correct Liberalist Media bring to light!

Please take the time to read the attached essay by Dr. Vernon Chong. It is without a doubt the most articulate and convincing writing I have read regarding the War in Iraq. If you have any doubts please open your mind to his essay and give a fair evaluation. It's also eerily applicable to other current issues (Iran's nuclear program, immigration, NAFTA's impact on American jobs, trade deficits, etc.). I had no idea who Dr. Chong is , or the source of these thoughts... so when I received them, I almost deleted them - as well-written as they are. But then I did a "Google search" on the Doctor and found him to be a retired Air Force Surgeon of all things and past Commander of Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio. So he is real, is connected to Veterans affairs in California, and these are his thoughts. They are worth reading and thinking about! (the same Google search will direct you to some of his other thought-provoking writings.)

If you would like to see who this fellow is, go to this Air Force web sight and look him up.
Biographies: Major General (DR.) Vernon Chong

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Muslims, terrorist and the USA: A different spin on Iraq war.

This WAR is for REAL!
Dr. Vernon Chong, Major General, USAF, Retired

Tuesday, July 12, 2005
To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it. Our country is now facing the most serious threat to its existence, as we know it, that we have faced in your lifetime and mine (which includes WWII).

The deadly seriousness is greatly compounded by the fact that there are very few of us who think we can possibly lose this war and even fewer who
realize what losing really means.

First, let's examine a few basics:

1. When did the threat to us start?

Many will say September 11, 2001.
The answer as far as the United States is concerned is 1979, 22 years prior to September 2001, with the following attacks on us:

* Iran Embassy Hostages, 1979;
* Beirut, Lebanon Embassy 1983;
* Beirut, Lebanon Marine Barracks 1983;
* Lockerbie, Scotland Pan-Am flight to New York 1988;
* First New York World Trade Center attack 1993;
* Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Khobar Towers Military complex 1996;
* Nairobi, Kenya US Embassy 1998;
* Dares Salaam, Tanzania US Embassy 1998;
* Aden, Yemen USS Cole 2000;
* New York World Trade Center 2001;
* Pentagon 2001.

(Note that during the period from 1981 to 2001 there were 7,581 terrorist attacks worldwide).

2. Why were we attacked?

Envy of our position, our success, and our freedoms. The attacks happened during the administrations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton and Bush 2. We cannot fault either the Republicans or Democrats as there were no provocations by any of the Presidents or their immediate predecessors, Presidents Ford or Carter.

3. Who were the attackers?
In each case, the attacks on the US were carried out by Muslims.

4. What is the Muslim population of the World?
25%.

5. Isn't the Muslim Religion peaceful?

Hopefully, but that is really not material. There is no doubt that the predominately Christian population of Germany was peaceful, but under the
dictatorial leadership of Hitler (who was also Christian), that made no difference. You either went along with the administration or you were
eliminated. There were 5 to 6 million Christians killed by the Nazis for political reasons (including 7,000 Polish priests). (see http://www.nazis.testimony.co.uk/7-a.htm)

Thus, almost the same number of Christians were killed by the Nazis, as the six million holocaust Jews who were killed by them, and we seldom heard of anything other than the Jewish atrocities. Although Hitler kept the world focused on the Jews, he had no hesitancy about killing anyone who got in his way of exterminating the Jews or of taking over the world - German, Christian or any others.

Same with the Muslim terrorists. They focus the world on the US, but kill all in the way -- their own people or the Spanish, French or anyone else.
The point here is that just like the peaceful Germans were of no protection to anyone from the Nazis, no matter how many peaceful Muslims there may be, they are no protection for us from the terrorist Muslim leaders and what they are fanatically bent on doing -- by their own pronouncements -- killing all of us "infidels." I don't blame the peaceful Muslims. What would you do if the choice was shut up or die?

6. So who are we at war with?

There is no way we can honestly respond that it is anyone other than the Muslim terrorists. Trying to be politically correct and avoid verbalizing this conclusion can well be fatal. There is no way to win if you don't clearly recognize and articulate who you are fighting.

So with that b ackground, now to the two major questions:

1. Can we lose this war?

2. What does losing really mean?

If we are to win, we must clearly answer these two pivotal questions:

We can definitely lose this war, and as anomalous as it may sound, the major reason we can lose is that so many of us simply do not fathom the answer to the second question - What does losing mean?

It would appear that a great many of us think that losing the war means hanging our heads, bringing the troops home and going on about our business, like post-Vietnam. This is as far from the truth as one can get.

What losing really means is:

We would no longer be the premier country in the world. The attacks will not subside, but rather will steadily increase. Remember, they want us
dead, not just quiet. If they had just wanted us quiet, they would not have produced an increasing series of attacks against us, over the past 18 years. The plan was, clearly, for terrorists to attack us until we were neutered and submissive to them.

We would, of course, have no future support from other nations, for fear of reprisals and for the reason that they would see; we are impotent and cannot help them.

They will pick off the other non-Muslim nations, one at a time. It will be increasingly easier for them. They already hold Spain hostage. It doesn't matter whether it was right or wrong for Spain to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Spain did it because the Muslim terrorists bombed their train and told them to withdraw the troops. Anything else they want Spain to do will be done. Spain is finished.

The next will probably be France. Our one hope on France is that they might see the light and realize that if we don't win, they are finished too, in that they can't resist the Muslim terrorists without us. However, it may already be too late for France. France is already 20% Muslim and fading fast!

If we lose the war, our production, income, exports and way of life will all vanish as we know it. After losing, who would trade or deal with us if they were threatened by the Muslims. If we can't stop the Muslim terrorists, how could anyone else?

The radical Muslims fully know what is riding on this war, and therefore are completely committed to winning, at any cost. We better know it too and be likewise committed to winning at any cost.

Why do I go on at such lengths about the results of losing? Simple. Until we recognize the costs of losing, we cannot unite and really put 100% of our thoughts and efforts into winning. And it is going to take that 100% effort to win.

So, how can we lose the war?

Again, the answer is simple. We can lose the war by "imploding." That is, defeating ourselves by refusing to recognize th e enemy and their purpose,
and really digging in and lending full support to the war effort. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. If we continue to be divided, there is no way that we can win!

Let me give you a few examples of how we simply don't comprehend the life and death seriousness of this situation.

President Bush selects Norman Mineta as Secretary of Transportation. Although all of the terrorist attacks were committed by Muslim men between 17 and 40 years of age, Secretary Mineta refuses to allow profiling. Does that sound like we are taking this thing seriously? This is war! For the duration, we are going to have to give up some of the civil rights we have become accustomed to. We had better be prepared to lose some of our civil rights temporarily or we will most certainly lose all of them permanently.

And don't worry that it is a slippery slope. We gave up plenty of civil rights during WWII, and immediately restored them after the victory and in fact added many more since then.

Do I blame President Bush or President Clinton before him?

No, I blame us for blithely assuming we can maintain all of our Political Correctness, and all of our civil rights during this conflict and have a clean, lawful, honorable war. None of those words apply to war. Get them out of your head.

Some have gone so far in their criticism of the war and/or the Administration that it almost seems they would literally like to see us lose. I hasten to add that this isn't because they are disloyal. It is because they just don't recognize what losing means. Nevertheless, that conduct gives the impression to the enemy that we are divided and weakening. It concerns our friends, and it does great damage to our cause.

Of more recent vintage, the uproar fueled by the politicians and media regarding the treatment of some prisoners of war, perhaps exemplifies best what I am saying. We have recently had an issue, involving the treatment of a few Muslim prisoners of war, by a small group of our military police. These are the type prisoners who just a few months ago were throwing their own people off buildings, cutting off their hands, cutting out their tongues and otherwise murdering their own people just for disagreeing with Saddam Hussein.

And just a few years ago these same type prisoners chemically killed 400,000 of their own people for the same reason. They are also the same type of enemy fighters, who recently were burning Americans, and dragging their charred corpses through the streets of Iraq. And still more recently, the same type of enemy that was and is providing videos to all news sources internationally, of the beheading of American prisoners they held.

Compare this with some of our press and politicians, who for several days have thought and talked about nothing else but the "humiliating" of some
Muslim prisoners -- not burning them, not dragging their charred corpses through the streets, not beheading them, but "humiliating" them.

Can this be for real?

The politicians and pundits have even talked of impeachment of the Secretary of Defense. If this doesn't show the complete lack of comprehension and understanding of the seriousness of the enemy we are fighting, the life and death struggle we are in and the disastrous results of losing this war, nothing can.

To bring our country to a virtual political standstill over this prisoner issue makes us look like Nero playing his fiddle as Rome burned -- totally oblivious to what is going on in the real world. Neither we, nor any other country, can survive this internal strife. Again I say, this does not mean that some of our politicians or media people are disloyal. It simply means that they are absolutely oblivious to the magnitude, of the situation we are in and into which the Muslim terrorists have been pushing us, for many years.

Remember, the Muslim terrorists stated goal is to kill all infidels! That translates into ALL non-Muslims -- not just in the United States, but throughout the world. We are the last bastion of defense.

We have been criticized for many years as being 'arrogant.' That charge is valid in at least one respect. We are arrogant in that we believe that we are so good, powerful and smart, that we can win the hearts and minds of all those who attack us, and that with both hands tied behind our back, we can defeat anything bad in the world! We can't!

If we don't recognize this, our nation as we know it will not survive, and no other free country in the world will survive if we are defeated.

And finally, name any Muslim countries throughout the world that allow freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, equal rights for anyone -- let alone everyone, equal status or any status for women, or that have been productive in one single way that contributes to the good of the world.

This has been a long way of saying that we must be united on this war or we will be equated in the history books to the self-inflicted fall of the Roman Empire. If, that is, the Muslim leaders will allow history books to be written or read.

If we don't win this war right now, keep a close eye on how the Muslims take over France in the next 5 years or less. They will continue to increase the Muslim population of France and continue to encroach little by little, on the established French traditions. The French will be fighting among themselves, over what should or should not be done, which will continue to weaken them and keep them from any united resolve. Doesn't that sound eerily familiar?

Democracies don't have their freedoms taken away from them by some external military force. Instead, they give their freedoms away, politically correct piece by politically correct piece.

And they are giving those freedoms away to those who have shown, worldwide that they abhor freedom and will not apply it to you or even to themselves, once they are in power.

They have universally shown that when they have taken over, they then star t brutally killing each other over who will be the few who control the masses. Will we ever stop hearing from the politically correct, about the "peaceful Muslims"?

I close on a hopeful note, by repeating what I said above. If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. I hope now, after the election, the factions in our country will begin to focus on the critical situation we are in, and will unite to save our country. It is your future we are talking about! Do whatever you can to preserve it.

After reading the above, we all must do this not only for ourselves, but our children, our grandchildren, our country and the world.
Whether Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal and that include the Politicians and media of our country and the free world!

Please forward this to any you feel may want, or NEED to read it. Our "leaders" in Congress ought to read it, too. There are those that find fault with our country, but it is obvious to anyone who truly thinks through this, that we must UNITE!

New Babies!

2006-06-06T23:07:00.000-04:00

Living in rural Indiana, surrounded by State Forrest ..we see our share of wildlife. However, usually its for just a moment or so, and then they move on to where ever it is that they travel to. I took this 1st picture a few months ago, when a pair of Wild Canadian Geese landed at our place and took a relaxing swim in our pond. As days went on they came back again and again, almost daily. They even got used to us going out to take pictures, and didnt seem to be the least bit scared. Well, lil Miss Punkin got very attached. She would squeal with delight when she heard the familiar "Honk Honk" that they made as they would come in for a landing in our front yard. She would scream out "Mamaw!!! They're Home!!!! ". After a few weeks we didnt see them again, we would hear them fly over, but they had stopped their daily visits. Well... outta the clear blue a few weeks ago... they came walking down to the pond from the wooded area around it... followed by a brand new gaggle. Four lil fuzzy feathered babies. They stayed the whole day, swimming,and hunting for snacks in my brand new perennial garden...lol.. The parents stood by, quite proud, and I felt they came back just to show off their new brood to us. After this visit we havent seen them again, so I accept it as an intended visit :) I felt very honored that they chose our place to have their new family.

What a Blast!!!

2006-05-30T22:22:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day ! I so love that our country sets aside a day of rememberance, for the many wonderful people who have served our country, and in many cases have given there life for it. Without them we would not have the freedom to celebrate anything at all. For those serving now and in the past... I send many Thanks...

I recently went to a local event I have never been to. My sisters - in - law have always told me what fun Im missing... so this year I attended my 1st ever "Perennial Exchange" Its a flower and plant club, that puts on a swap twice a year. Everyone brings plants, of which they have too many. The tables were full of wonderful plants & flowers. Im somewhat new to perennials, so it was as much a learning experience for me, as a great way to accumulate new plants & flowers. I brought alot of wild woods ferns for my "swap offering", as I learned many folks dont have access to these beauties, especially those living in the city. We went around all the tables and mapped out our favorites and planned our route of attack...lol.. At 9 am sharp the President of the Exchange annouces "Start Trading!!!" Oh myyyy.... what a wild time that was. It felt like a penny sale at Nieman Marcus... People where runnin around grabbing plants like mad! Crazy I tell ya!! It didnt take me long to catch on, and I too was in the "grab and run" mode !. I came away with a nice bounty of new plants and flowers for my gardens. It was the neatest thing Ive been to in a long time. And what a money saver! Gardening gets quite expensive these days, and to get them free? Well how much better can it get... Needless to say I joined this great little group, and plan on many more fun swaps in the future!

Busy Busy Busy

2006-05-21T21:38:00.000-04:00

Wow... what a week, it's been quite busy despite all the rain. Is summer ever going to REALLY get here? 10 Days with rain each day, but today it was beautiful. Sunny and warm... FINALLY! More rain on the way tho. I think we only got a break to cut the grass, before the next round.
Punkin has been hitting me with the true colors of the "Terrible Two's" this week ! Trying me on every turn. Determined to "touch this" or "reach for that" deliberatly trying to see what will happen if she does this. I have so forgotten going thru this stage, she surely takes after her Mama thats a given...lol.
I talked to Poohy this week. She tells me it is very, very HOT in the sandbox now. The temperature had hit 108 degrees the day I spoke to her. She says the heat zaps the energy right out of ya ! I wonder what that temperature is with heat index added ??!! She's doing well, and staying very busy. She wants veggies, she says it seems that they always have brocoli...lol ( which she doesnt eat!). I sent out a box with all her favorites, complete with can opener...lol. Thank the Lord for microwaves! She hadsnt been able to see her Mother's Day garden yet, as the computers have been down for a few days. She'll be surprised tho, our local paper came out and did a story about Punkins garden for her Mommy, complete with pictures! She made the front page of our local newspaper! Ive mailed it to her,... she'll be proud as a peacock, that her babygirl made the front page :))
Im still planting flowers!... between the rains, we managed to get our vegtable garden planted today, I cant wait for fresh, homegrown veggies!

"SURPRISE !! " Happy Mother's Day Mommy

2006-05-12T17:19:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day Mommy !! I wanted to do something special for you on Mother's Day, but since you are so very far away this year, I couldnt send you flowers or even help you plant them either.We have always had flowers on your special day! So Mamaw and I decided to plant a garden FOR you instead. I know you cannot smell them, or see how beautiful they are, but you will know that there are flowers just for you, somewhere in the world, on this, your special day! I worked very very hard on this for you, I helped plant every single flower you see! I also painted on the signs. Now there are handprints here to match the ones I sent you..

Here's a list of the flowers we chose and what they stand for !

The "Patriot" Hosta - This stands for YOU ! Our Patriot and my Soldier Mommy!It represents your courage and strength to serve and protect our country, and make our home safe. We admire the sacrifice youve made willingly.. to make the world a better place!

"Pixie" Lillies- This stands for Our Lord who watches over you, to guide you on your mission and bring you safely home to me!

The "Peace" Rose- Peace is really what we want for "all the people" in Iraq, so that they can live free, and the children can grow up in happiness like I do here at home!

Lots of "Impatiens"- These are for all the reasons I "impatiently" wait for you to come home!

The Field Stones- These encircle the garden so that you can see our "Rock Solid" support for you, from family, friends and community. We stand behind your choice to serve our country 100% !!!

Little Girl on Bicycle- Well.........THATS ME !! In the middle of it all !! Im there to show you that I LOVE YOU and am so very proud of all the sacrifices you are making, so that this world will be a better place for me to live. I know that in everything you do, I am the reason, and I thank-you for protecting me with everything you've got to give!!

I love you more than anything in this whole wide world Mommy, and I hope we have made your very special day, just a little more special. Im also sending you lots of Hugs & Kisses. We will talk to you soon... but til then.. "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !!!! "

New Pictures!

2006-05-09T22:41:00.000-04:00

I've been somewhat slack on posting, and I truely apologize! It's spring ! The Hubby and I have been quite the little busy bees, trying to clear 50-60 years of brush and briars from around our pond . We recently decided we wanted to see just what was under all the brush! We have found new landscape we never knew was there! We still have quite a way to go, but are making remarkable progress! I almost grabbed a snake WITH my hands...Im sure you can guess I bout messed up my britches on that one...LOL. As we clear ground, we are also planting lots of perennials, and Ive come to the conclusion that Im a "Hosta-holic", having planted over 50 of them now!
I finally was able to get our new family pictures scanned. These were taken just prior ,to Poohy leaving for her deployment.It's a task to get all your grown children together at one time AND get them to stand still long enough for pictures!! I so treasure these, it's been many years since weve taken pictures as a family. I just wanted to share with you!
I believe missed a call from Poohy today. Little fingers turned off the ringer to my phone..sure hate to miss a call, they seem so far in between. But we will survive, and appreciate the next call even more! Punkin and I have been very very busy putting the finishing touches on her "outside present" for her Mommy for "Mother's Day" I will post pictures very very soon! I think Poohy will be pleased ! Babygirl worked soo hard on it :))

Mud and more Mud

2006-05-02T23:48:00.000-04:00

I have finally recieved not one but TWO calls from Poohy! OMG it was so awesome to finally talk to her. She still has a hard time getting online, when she has the time... the Marines are knee deep to the puters! She's settled in to her post. She's been busy with Shower/Laundry & Uniform repair work. I guess its the rainy season in Iraq ! She said her tent was full of water, and they had to fix the floor, so she was in tight quarters Im sure for a time there. I imagine her job has been quite a messy one with all the mud. When you get alot of rain on top of the desert, Im sure it reaks havock everywhere. I so hate MUD...lol.. weve had severe storms here in Indiana for weeks, we have been lucky compared to many communities around us, several tornados have done alot of damage. Makes me feel a little closer knowing we are both fighting the wet stuff.
She's finally recieved some of the care packages Ive sent... the first ones took over 6 weeks to get there. Then she recieved one that only took 9 days! HOOAH! Hats of the the Army Post Office... Great JOB! She got tickled at all the "junk" food Ive sent. I want her to have a little taste of home, and tend to go overboard...lol. I must restrain myself, Im sure her roomies dont want a whole grocery store in the tent!
Mother's Day is fast approaching and Punkin has been working hard on the Gift that we cant send, but Poohy will love it Im sure. I cant wait to post pictures, so it can ease her Momma's curiosity... stay tuned...

......To The Prom

2006-04-29T21:43:00.000-04:00

A year ago I watched my baby boy leave to attend his Senior Prom... tonite he's escorting his beautiful girlfriend Tonya to her Senior Prom.A wonderful young lady , who over the past year has become a "nudder" one of my kids! From softball to ball gown, she's such a sweetie. This is her night to shine!They looked so handsome and elegant... one of those moments that makes a momma's heart go awwwwwwwww. Amidst a little rain, hoping the big storms hold off for the evening, they left for the fairy tale evening of enchantment. Making memories that'll last forever :)))

Interesting Little Read... Iraq???

2006-04-20T21:38:00.000-04:00

I recieved an email from a soldier friend, and really found it to be quite interesting. I thought Id post it for your reading pleasure...one of those things that makes ya go ... hmmmmmmm

"This is freaky, interesting and scary all in one!

Read down to the very bottom, you don't want to miss this!

VERY INTERESTING -

1. The garden of Eden was in Iraq.

2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization!

3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.

4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq.

5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!

6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq !

7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.

8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.

9 Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.

10. Amos cried out in Iraq!

11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.

12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!

13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourth person in the fiery furnace!)

14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq.

15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.

16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.

17. The wise men were from Iraq.

18. Peter preached in Iraq.

19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq!

And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land ofShinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and ! Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots.

Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible.

No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated with it than Iraq.

She's In Country...

2006-04-19T21:17:00.000-04:00

It's been a long few weeks with no word from my Poohy! But at last, Ive had an email from her. She has left the staging area and has moved in country now. She's arrived at what I figure will be her home for the next year. It will suffice to say she is in Iraq. I learned its best not to say the where's or what's, to insure the unit's safety and security. She says, its a long line waiting to use the internet, but will write me when she can. Shes started her duties officially, and is settling in to her surroundings and routine. It was such a relief to hear from her!!! Next best thing to a voice I tell ya! Ive been walking on air, for the last few days, after weeks of not knowing and the uneasy feeling that just sits on your shoulders. Id say we are now into "The Long Haul" !!
I found this picture on the web, it's an older picture, but was new to me, I had to chuckle as it really hit home... so thought Id share a smile... and a little truth too!! (I do not know who this picture belongs to or I would list the credit)

He is Risen !!

2006-04-16T22:21:00.000-04:00

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.......Luke 18:33

For my Mommy

2006-04-15T14:38:00.000-04:00

Time to do the Eggs!

2006-04-14T15:29:00.000-04:00

Punkin is getting ready for the Easter Bunny! She did a Great Job on the Eggs!

The Ellusive Green Troll !

2006-04-11T13:35:00.000-04:00

Not much news from Poohy. Last Ive heard was she's adjusting to the sandbox, fairly well. She says she doesnt plan on vacationing at the beach anytime in the near future, as she eaten alot of sand with every meal! She says the temperature was quite warm, but not as hot as it will be. The time change is a struggle to get used to Im sure. A heavy bout of Jet Lag set in and she was somewhat tired, but in very good spirits. We've been playing "Catch me if you can..." otherwise known as Instant Messenger tag !...LoL.. It will take awhile with the time difference to figure out when to reach each other.
So... Ive been keeping busy with the annual yard cleaning and getting prepared to plant my various flower and vegetable gardens. I cant wait for the beautiful flowers to bloom, I love springtime! Punkin and I are planning something special outside for Poohy, but we are not gonna spill the beans about it just yet... you'll just have to wait for the pictures!!!!
Punkin and I have a new addiction! We are on the hunt for the McDonalds trolls. She really wants the green one... but he's an elusive lil bugger, as we havent found him anywhere yet! Its been ALOT of years since I went "in search of" for the Mickey D's happy meal collectibles. You Moms know what Im talking about!
I ,myself have eaten more happy meals this past week than Ive ever wanted to!...lolol
We've called in family re-enforcements to help narrow the search. Only 3 more to go and we have em all!!! But green is the prize color!!! Ill find him yet...LOLOL
This kinda thing sure keeps me young at heart, I never thought Id be scrambling after this stuff at my age!!! I must say it's been fun... especially watching her little eyes light up with each new color!

XOXO to You Daddy :)

2006-04-03T23:56:00.000-04:00

This is Punkin's Daddy, SGT Porter. A wonderful young man, also serving our country on deployment with the 1008th QM Co. Over the past 2 years, Ive seen 2 young people become the best parents in the world! Punkin couldnt agree with me more!! Punkin misses you so much, at night at bedtime, we say our prayers, and ask God to bless Mommy and Daddy as they serve our country abroad. Then she kisses each of their pictures, and hugs them. It's hard enough having one parent gone, but Im sure it's unbelieveably heart-breaking to know both parents are away. She's such a wise little person, and she still finds Joy in each Day and each new thing that comes her way. Lano... Im so proud that you are her Daddy, and I thank-you for your service in helping so many!
There's a video, that I have saved a long time ago, as it touched my heart. I watched it again tonite and felt it was so appropriate to post here for you. Click on the link below to view it. For all of you reading this, please view it also, it takes a few minutes to load... but it's very much worth the wait!!!

" Armed Forces Tribute "

This is a definite "Tissue Alert" !!!

Research Study on Prayer... HMMM

2006-04-03T22:24:00.000-04:00

OKKKKKK.... I can be a very opinionated lady, but I usually save my rants and raves for the listening enjoyment of my family. They usually run kicking and screaming when I get on the soap-box! But this one I just gotta share!!!
The recent report on FOX News.. just blew me right outta the water!!!! They reported on a Research Study done by the " Templeton Foundation "on the effects of prayer, for bypass surgery patients... and they have determined that it has " NO EFFECT " !!! Have you ever heard of a more ridiculus research study,( and in my humble opinion, a BIG waste of money) in your entire life???!!! You can read allllll about it by clicking on this link >>> Study: Prayer Has No Effect on Heart Surgery Recovery
Ok Mr Templeton Foundation... whoever you are... let me give you some food for thought. First off... Prayer is a belief, not something you can prove or dis-prove with research, that doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out! Now .. Im sure there was a substantial amount of money poured out for this research... correct??? Hmmmmmm.. will if you had just taken a few more minutes and really tought about this... perhaps you could have gotten your research and answered alot of PRAYERS at the same time. If you had taken all the research money, and say....fed the millions of STARVING people in the world, or say...poured that money into drug production for the millions of people who cant AFFORD their medications!!!... like the elderly... or even perhaps built 50 news home for a few of the thousands of people who are HOMELESS... due to Hurricaine Katrina... well then you would have ANSWERED A FEW PRAYERS.... The prayers of many who believe.. would have been answered and your research would have proven that PRAYER really is EFFECTIVE!!!!!!!!
I understand this research was on heart patients, but werent you actually in someway saying,that prayer in general has no effect??? ......Hello???!!!
It just leaves me with a baddd taste in my mouth and a big HMMMMMMM.

A long Week ~ Then a Big Sigh

2006-03-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

What a week Ive had. I have joined the thousands of Moms who ride the emotional roller-coaster, with constant ups and downs. Mostly Im up... but when Im down ... its aweful. Ive done alot of soul searching this week, finally coming to grips with the magnitude of the mission my Poohy has undertaken. Im so proud and so sad all at the same time.Coming home from the deployment ceremony was a long quiet ride.. upon returning home, there were many items left right where Poohy left them, and I fell apart. Old uniforms...civilian clothes... her perfume.. her toothpaste.. half eaten bags of goodies.. it seemed everywhere I looked there she was... I was powerless to move ANYTHING, as if by leaving it where it was, I could hold her here awhile longer. I found myself just walking around touching these things and they brought me comfort.Then I got really deep into my thoughts, of other families going thru this same thing... of the families who have been doing this for a lot longer than I have. I owe you all a heartfelt apology! I have always had the Soldiers in my heart, and have faithfully prayed for their missions to be successful, for them to remain safe and out of harms way and to have speedy return home. But I truely never gave much thought to the endless numbers of family, that belonged to those soldiers. Nor the heavy hearts and minds, they have carried day after day, for a very long time. The questions to which they had no answers, to the long pauses in communication with their loved ones, to those who prayed and waited, only to have their soldier returned to them maimed, injured or perhaps not returned at all. I am truely ashamed that I never thought of them, these wonderful families, just like yours and mine..I guess now that I am one... it clicked on the light bulb! The support out there is tremendous! Families do not have to go it alone. There are wonderful groups all supporting each other.. that it touches me deeply! We are after all one family, each dealing in our own way, and hopefully helping others when they need us. We all need a shoulder sometimes. Ill be glad to listen to you when your sad... and cry with you. If ya wanna rant and rave , Ill listen... for tomorrow I may need you! We are fighting our way thru this, just like our soldiers are... and there aint noooo book gonna teach us how to get thru it... all we can do is our best, so that our soldiers are as proud of us as we are of them!
So after this roller coaster week Ive been on... a small light shined brightly, to relieve me of my emotions for a moment. Ive heard from Poohy! She reached her initial destination safely, (Thank-You God !) Ive survived the first hurdle, for today my baby girl is safe and my heart is glad. Ill be forever grateful, for each tiny moment of Joy I recieve during this hard and trying time. Punkin is a God-Send to me. She's pure delight, and is dealing with Mommy being gone,as well as she can , considering her tender age of 2. She and the Good Lord keep me going.

Unit Ceremony

2006-03-25T23:52:00.000-05:00

We made it to the Units deployment ceremony.. I feared the new snow would keep us home,being we live out in the boonies... but the heavens were on our side, they must have known it was a MUST for us to be there. This was to be the last day we would see Poohy, for a long, long time, and I believe I would have crawled there if need be.The Camp Commander gave a nice speech, flanked by other officers. The Chaplain, blessed us with a prayer. I was so proud watching all of our soldiers standing there being commended on their successful training, and getting chills to trembling shouts of "Hooah !" in unison, by our troops. There's no other sound that can relay that kind confidence !! It was a day full of pride, but also of heavy hearts. So thankful for another chance to see my soldier... and all the soldiers who have become family over the years.

A Wonderful 4 Days!

2006-03-23T20:02:00.000-05:00

Well Poohy finally made it home on a 4 day pass.. what a whirlwind time it was too! Punkin was soooooo excited when she finally saw her Mommie.. its been almost 4 months in comming, which is forever to a little one! It was so awesome... her brother Taylor, was also home on spring break from college. It was the first time in a long time that all my children were home, under my roof... probably the best sleep Ive had in ages, as I knew exactly where all my kids were! Right off the bat she wanted to go shopping.. one of her MOST favorite things! She went wild !!! She totally outfitted Punkin with all new outside toys for summer.. from a swingset, sandbox, playhouse and bike... to all new clothing for the warm season.We also went for family portraits, they are awesome, and I will post them when I get them home! We spent all the next day assembling everything, with much laughter & craziness. She sent me in to have nails and a pedicure... something Ive never had done by a professional... and I gotta say it was heavenly... I could really get used to that special treatment...lol. We had a cook-out.. 1st one of the year, and all the family attended and brought some really scrumptious food! Her last day home was quiet, spent lazing around with Punkin. We knew leaving would be hard, I took her back to post late in the evening, it was by far the hardest thing Ive ever done. A deployment ceremony, for the 1008th QM Co. was set for the following day , so I knew we would see her again one more time before the Unit departed for the sandbox.... A heavy snow was expected for late night/early morning, and I feared we would not make it, being we live out in the boonies... but we did make it out, thru 6 inches of snow...No snow all winter and Mother Nature had to pick this day to dump on us!

Yippeeeeeeeee

2006-03-15T21:35:00.000-05:00

Well.... Ive been busy the past few days, and have gotten behind in my posting! We have been getting the house cleaned up, with the rituals of spring cleaning. But for great reasons!! Poohy has finally gotten caught up to date with her training. She has worked double time to catch up with her unit, and has succeeded !!! She had a bone scan on her knee, and it came back good. Her knee is healing well, and hasnt been causing her much pain... Im so thankful its healing well. Kudos to you babygirl, your tougher than you ever knew !!! Im so excited as Poohy will be getting pass for a few days leave, to come home. I cant wait to see her, and I know Punkin will blow a gasket when she finally gets to see her Mommy. She so excited!! Ive been busy stocking up on all the foods she loves, and will not get to have for a long time to come. Isnt that just like a Mom? Smother em with food...LOL. Im going to breathe in every second shes home, for it will be a long time before we will see her again... but Im not gonna think about that now... Im just going to concentrate on this being a perfect few days, with lots of hugs and good times!

What WONT We Do For Our Kids! LOL

2006-03-07T20:12:00.000-05:00

It's been quite a crazy few days around here! This has been hard not being able to talk to Poohy much, with all the extensive training going on. Just getting us prepared for the long stretches of no phone calls to come Im sure....Im on pins and needles hoping she'll get a few days pass before she leaves country. To pass the time I even cleaned out her car... (someone musta bumped me on the head...lol) I have decided, she could have gotten stranded for a week and truely survived in that car!!! She wouldnt have gone thirsty with all the half opened pop bottles... nor hungry, with all the have opened bags of junk food... and now I know where all the missing socks go when they get lost in the washer... they end up in Poohy's car...LMAO!!! Now when she says she cant find anything, Ill always tell her to check the back seat of her car. She so famous for tossing everything back there. This is the 1st time I think Ive ever seen the floors in the backseat, since the day she bought it! I even took Armour All to the whole inside... WOW looks like new again, Wont she be surprised! I even drove it to town and washed and vacuumed it out. Its really a riot to watch kids in town drive up next to me...(as I have her amp and speaker box cranked up... no darlin I havent blown your speakers...... yet!) And when they look over to where the car is thumping to the tunes of Outkast... they see this old broad drivin... cracks em up I tell ya...lol.
I think Spring is finally on the way, it was beautiful today! Papaw took Punkin out for a ride thru the woods on the 3 wheeler,(mind you he crawled at a snails pace in 1st gear, under the hawk eye of Mamaw!) and learned this is gonna be her favorite thing to do this summer. He about never got her off of it! Country girl in the making!!

Update on the Knee

2006-02-26T20:35:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful talk with Poohy on Thursday... the longest conversation weve been able to have in months! She went for her rusults of the MRI on her knee. The results were somewhat good. There are no tears in the cartilage, so that means no surgery... yippeeeeeeeeee. They did find that she has some degenerative fraying to the cartilage( most likely from the years of High School Basketball !), but surgery wont fix that. They said it will just take time for it to heal on its own. They fitted her with a knee brace, which she must wear during activity. Im pleased it wasnt bad... but as a Mom I must say I was hoping it was bad enough that they just might send her home. Not gonna happen I dont think. Cant blame me for wishing tho?
She's been going like a bat outta Hell tryin to catch up on her deployment training, so that she wouldnt be too far behind the rest of the unit. Shes pretty close to being caught up. She was sooo worried about having to ship behind her unit... with people she doesnt know. That is still a possibility... it all depends on her knee. The Mob site Doctor, is monitoring her progress, and monitoring the knee. If it continues to swell alot during the roughest part of their training, she may have to stay back a few weeks to allow it more time to heal. The Doc thinks that hard training may just agravate the healing process, so... time will tell!! Im sure Poohy is about fed up with not knowing just where she stands on the whole deployment thing. It has to be hard to get your mind set, when doctors cant get their own opinions set on her progress! First they say... she's ready to go, then hurry up and wait, then say... um she's not ready to go...it's enough to drive a person mad!
One thing I can say tho... I sure can sense the changes in Poohy since this all started. I listened to her talking, and could feel the "military bearing" coming back to her. Let me explain... when she went to basic training, almost 5 years ago, she was a bouncy youngin just out of High School. 9 weeks later, she was a confident soldier, with a whole new respect for authority and her country. Now over these last 5 years of serving in the reserves, the" military attitude" kinda took a back seat, as she only used her knowledge on one weekend a month and 2 weeks in the summer. But now being active duty, and back into the day to day military life, I can feel those changes coming back to the surface, I can hear it in her voice. She sounds confident again, and the military way , has once again taken over the drivers seat. I know in my heart, she's again ready for whatever the country may ask of her. It's just so awesome to me to see the changes taking place, almost before your very eyes. I think that kind of confidence comes from somewhere in the soul. I really believe that it takes a special kind of person to be a soldier. It comes from down deep. Thats why soldiers see other soldiers in a way we civilians cant understand. Its a bond, that only they share. They all have that "something" that ya cant put your finger on... but you feel it when you are in their presence. I just sit in awe when she speaks of the duties she has had to perform, and know in my heart that she'll be A-O-K no matter what the future brings.

My How Times Have Changed!

2006-02-19T22:17:00.000-05:00

Wow the changes technology has made over the years! I remember as a child, my Father, a US Air Force pilot, would go on TDY, and we kids may not see or hear from him for months on end. Way back then,the US mail was the best thing ya had for keeping in touch.Long Distant phones calls were nice , but usually short, sweet and to the point, as they werent as affordable as they are today! Personal Computers are just the berries, for a soldier and their family. I wish they had been around years ago, when I was missing the contact of a parent! It just tickles me that Poohy and Punkin have this capability to communicate. Mind you Im somewhat technologically challenged, but Im getting the hang of the whole webcam,voice conference thing! I think it's so awesome to be able have this contact with Poohy. We've been limited to how often and how long we can chat, but having the means to do so, is so fantastic! It sure helps that Punkin can see and hear her Mommy, even if just for a few minutes. It eases the pain of missing her so bad.
Poohy had the MRI on her knee and should learn the results next week sometime. She has resumed some training and is busy tryin to catch up with the rest of the unit.
Punkin had a wonderful weekend with her Daddy's family. She really loves spending the weekends with her other Grandma and Aunt. She gets to see lots of children and gets totally worn out. Children to play with are in short supply here at our house, so Im sure the weekends do her a world of good! She's such a joy and a true delite , We are so blessed to have her with us :))

Happy Valentines Day Mommy!!

2006-02-12T23:54:00.000-05:00

Hurt Knee

2006-02-08T12:16:00.000-05:00

Here's an update on Poohy. She has completed schooling at Fort Lee, and is back at her mobilization site. Prior to leaving Fort Lee, Poohy injured her knee. They felt it was a sprain, and had her limited in her activity. Upon return to the mob site they determined she had a more substantial injury.They have put her on medical profile, and are running her ragged to Doctors and physical therapists! They believe she may have a torn cartilage/meniscus in her knee. Poor thing her knee swells up 3 times its size and even causes her to not be able to even put a shoe on. They are sending her to have an MRI on the knee to determine wether its torn or not. So, she is unable to do her field training, and will be behind her unit, in completing training.If its a tear, she may require surgery, and a lengthy recovery. Please keep her in your prayers! Were are hoping its only a strain, and that it wont require surgery! She will be having the MRI towards the end of the month and Ill keep you all posted on her progress.

Everyone will miss you "SGT. P"!!

2006-02-02T14:09:00.000-05:00

What a guy!!! This is SFC. Javier Pedrosarivera(& Poohy). He is in charge of Det.1 of the 380th QM Co. This is the unit Poohy was part of, Pre-Deployment. Kindly refered to as " SGT. P ".From a parents stand point he is just a fantastic, all around nice guy! He took all of his soldiers into his heart , as well as their families. A fine leader, but I would say most soldiers also considered him a good friend. At deployment, you could see in his eyes the sadness of seeing off his troops. A good portion of the unit was sent to become part of the 1008th QM Co. Upon returning from their 18 month stint, they will continue to drill with the 380th, but sadly when that time comes, SGT. P will already be re-assigned elsewhere. So deployment was really a Good-Bye of sorts. We all became extend family..
SGT P. I truely enjoyed the last big gathering with you at the annual unit Christmas party. Everyones children just think you are the best! You always had a huge smile and a kind word whenever I saw you, I know it was hard to be chipper under the circumstances. You offered to help us family members, in any way you could, even though they, technically, were not your soldiers anymore. It really was no longer your responsibility, but I was touched by the kindness. Your soldiers are gonna miss you alot, but Im sure they agree with me when I say, that we wish you nothing but the very best things in life, wherever the road leads you. You are a great asset to the US Army, and wherever you are stationed the soldiers will have recieved a blessing!You'll always remain in our prayers

Straight From the Heart......

2006-01-24T21:58:00.000-05:00

This is Poohy's younger brother Taylor.For years, many thought they were twins, they look that much alike!...Poohy... Taylor wrote this post for you.. Im going to post it exactly the way he wrote it... straight from the heart!!

...A soldier’s mom waits. A soldier’s family waits. The thoughts of my sister being deployed are horrifying. People say, “Aren’t you worried she won’t come back?”….I’ve pondered on this. I am to an extent. But at the same time, I’m not. I feel in my heart that my sister will stand tough over there and be back before ya know it….without a scrape. She’s a strong-willed person, with one hell of a family to come back to. (not bragging lol). It’s upsetting, but I keep good spirits about the situation. In my creative writing class, we were told to write a poem about regret, shame or loss. I chose to write about loss….through the eyes of a soldier’s family that waits. (Mainly Punkin’s) :

Hooah…
…5-4-5…
Twelve to eighteen
Twenty-two,
Two alive.

Bird family backwards
Kissing her parents,
Leaving,
She stays.

Love pulled so far,
Buses make tears,
Flocking to serve,
In land of fireworks.

Ink-penned hole,
in the heart
A signature of life,
Uncle Fear has her.

Woman of arms
Praying to stay alive,
Hooah,
Hooah,
…5-4-5…

Poohy, I dedicate this to you and all those soldiers with you!! My eyes are tearing up, but jus know my heart is smiling at you!! I miss you more than you know, and you will always be with me. I know this is probably going to make you and mom cry….and I’m sorry that it’s tough for you. Just know that in a few months you’ll be back sharing a smile with us, for soldiers….like we are for you!!

I love you!!
--Tay (Your Big Little Bro)

Like Mother ...Like Daughter

2006-01-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

Boy Oh Boy! Like mother like daughter...lol...which also means... always on the phone! She's starting young Poohy...lol.I took these pictures last night while she talked to you . She's about got it down now... laid out on the couch, just like you've done for years.This is what you get to look forward to from now til she's grown.. hehehe cant wait to watch you, watching this thru the teen years! Ya know the old saying, I used to say to you?..otherwise known as the "Mother's Curse"... "One day you'll have kids that are just like you !!!" TADA!!!
She sure loves to talk on the phone, and gets so excited when it's you :))
We had our 1st test of wills today! She's got your stubborn streak thats for sure... Im really having to remember wayyyyyy back when, on how to handle defiance! Yup just like her Mama thats a given! She too does'nt like the word NO!

For those checking in on the blog, I thought Id share a few pictures of Poohy and Punkin, so that when you read you'll have a face to go with the names :)
I love this picture of Poohy in her Class A's. A soldier in full dress uniform, makes a striking impression! But being a soldier's Mom, it just makes me swell up with pride and admiration :))

Here's a few pictures of my 2 girls together. Poohy, you have truely turned into a GREAT Mom! As I looked thru pictures to post, and reflected on them all, you have really become a Mom to be proud of. Punkin is so blessed to have you...

Here are a few more, some are from when Punkin was just a little bitty thing, but they are my favorites:))

Hats off to you... Jackie... Applause!

2006-01-16T00:10:00.000-05:00

Here in Indiana we give a huge THANK-YOU to Mrs. Jackie Joines! She's our Family Readiness Group Co-ordinator. Not only does she belong to us the 1008th QM Co.Wood River, Il, but she also handles the 380th QM Co. Evansville, In. and 380th QM Co. DET 1 in Terre Haute, In. as well!!!

~ Mike & Jackie Joines ~

That spans families from Southern Indiana, Central Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, and probably more places than I know of! I don't how she does all that she does....and always with a warm smile and kind word. Shes always quick to respond and if she cant answer a question or get something done,( ya know... like those sticky little military issues we civilians have noooo clue how to handle...lol)... she's ready to chew tail and get answers!!! We love her and are blessed to have her! She has adopted all of our soldiers as her extended family. Her husband SGT. Mike Joines is also on deployment with the 1008th QM Co. with my Poohy, he's a wonderful man, with a hysterical sense of humor. Poohy thinks he's a riot, and Im sure they will banter much over the next 18 months. I feel so much better knowing she's serving with a group that are very close. In the 3 years Ive known them, they are all part of my family as well, and always will be!

Just a quiet Night

2006-01-13T21:47:00.000-05:00

Is it really the weekend already? I've had such a busy week, tryin to get all of Poohys loose ends taken care of... and re-arranging the house to work better for Punkin. I finally got her room all done, where she can make the biggest mess she wants ,with all her toys. Boy oh boy I had forgotten about toys of a toddler...lol been many years since Ive tripped over the mountains of toys they leave in their path!
I've always kept her a day here... a few days there, when Poohy would have AT or Drills, but I have forgotten just how tired you get on a day in day out basis. I love it tho and wouldnt trade this time for all the world. ..... It's a very quiet night for me tonite... Punkin is with her other grandma and family for the weekend. Her daddy too, is deployed with the same unit as Poohy. So its a double tough time for both families, especially for Punkin. But she's well loved and terribly spoiled... and one day will understand and be proud of the sacrifice her parents are making.
My hubby is out visiting realitives, and my son is back to college after the holiday break.. its a nice break, to be "home alone" but feels very strange after this past hectic week.
I spoke to Poohy this morning... shes doing well, very busy with the mobilization process, and will be out in the field soon, so Im cherishing every call I get as they come :))) I sure miss her!

Many Thanks!

2006-01-12T21:48:00.000-05:00

I think I just might be able to get the hang of the blogging thing! LOL
I wanted to give a very heartfelt THANKS to "Doc" for allowing me to use his beautiful Military graphics for this page. Only someone who's been there could possibly create graphics that really hit your heart the way these have mine. I personally would like to thank you for your service to our country. It took very special men and women to endure Vietnam. But your courage and service, gave you a gift to make beautiful images that help us to remember. Youve touched my heart with your kind words for my daughter, thank-you so much.
I have added a link to "Doc's Military Graphics"... please visit and see his beautiful images!

You Never Say Goodbye.....

2006-01-11T04:37:00.000-05:00

I felt like my heart was tearing from my chest...... Watching my baby girl board that bus... mind you she's no baby anymore. She a beautiful , vibrant , strong willed young woman, off to serve her country proudly. She herself is a Mom, with a 2 year old bouncy, loveable baby girl of her own! SPC Nikki Davis, With the US Army Reserves, 1008th QM Co. Wood River, Illinois. Who from this day on, will be refered to as "Poohy"......I never dreamed, that my daughter would follow in the footsteps of her Grandfather and Grandmother, who both served this country in the Armed Forces. Im so proud of her. I guess it's " in the blood", as we come from a long line of soldiers! Even though Im full of pride, it doesnt take away the pain of watching your child leave for deployment. I have been honored and entrusted with the care of her baby girl.. Breanna... who from this day on, in all of my journaling will be called "Punkin".The purpose of this journal? I wish to document day to day life, while Poohy is gone, to save all the silly moments, and all the joys of her baby girl,that she wont be here for... so that perhaps she can read these postings, and feel a little closer to home. She's sacrificing alot for our country and for the freedom of other nations. I admire her strength and courage, and hope that this small token of my Love will comfort her on the long journey she has ahead.
So babygirl, my "Poohy"... This is for you! Ya never say Goodbye....only so long and Ill see you soon!!