Another exciting weekend

This weekend we went on a excursion to Carowinds. Being the leader of my oldest sons unit Family Readiness Group, we were invited to a Yellow Ribbon event. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a great thing. They have conferences and seminars on what to expect during a deployment, and programs for reintergation when the soldier returns home. We were boarded in a nice motel, since we traveled over 100 miles. On Saturday, we attended the seminar and were given lots of usful information, and a day pass into the Carowinds amusement park. This park had mostly rollercoaster rides(which I'm not very fond of) along with a few rides for the kiddies. We enjoyed the weekend with our close friends, and met a few other new faces. The experience was great overall, as it is now a few days closer to our soldiers returning home.

Update 101

First of all Daron was home on his R&R for 2 weeks. What a blessed time we had with him. The time passed way to quickly and was a bit bittersweet in the end, but we knew the time would come for him to go back to the sandbox and start again with his military duties. Daron had stated he was going to get out of the military and not reenlist. Now he has changed his mind, which I am grateful for. The military has helped him tremendously.Daron grew up overnight it seems, and is way beyond his years in maturity. He has his own house, a truck, a car, a shop in the backyard where he can do his manly tickering. I am a very proud Mama!

Christopher, enlisted with the U.S. Airforce,while Daron was home on leave.
Christopher will be leavin for basic,shortly after the 1st of the year. I know the military will help him, just as much as it has Daron. I believe serving this great country and being away from home, really puts life in perspective for some. Both of my boys are the best ever, sometimes we all need to reflect on things. Christopher is still with his girlfriend, (who I really do not care for) but I trust he will make his life decisions, the best way he feels, (good or bad). I just pray all turns out right as it should be.

Our Boxer Bulldog, Buddy passed away while Daron was home . Buddy had began having seizures and was getting worse. We tried our best, to be as good to him as he was to us. We took him to the vet, but it was just his time to go on. I'm glad the day he passed, he had enough strength to walk with our family in the vet's parking lot. We loved him and made sure he knew that. Buddy was with us for 5 1/2 yrs. In his good days, he had enough energy to light up any room. Daron was really upset about Buddy passing as we all were, but Daron had picked Buddy out as a pup, and was really close with Buddy. Daron's mission when he comes home is to get him a doggy like Buddy was. Our other doggy Dixie, is doing great. I believe she knew how sick Buddy was and that he was about to pass on before we did. She hasn't grieved for him as I thought she might. We have a new addition in our canine family. Daron's neighbor, had a friend that had a Poodle dog that was being left alone, and needed a good home.
Petey is my new baby. He is such a sweetheart, how anyone could not take good care of him is beyond me. He took to me right from the start. He is already housebroken and neutered. Petey loves playing ball, and is protective over me and our home.

I am currently still babysitting from home. I would love to go back to public work. Jobs are just so hard to find nowdays. I miss meeting and talking with people in the public. Hopefully I will find a job soon.

Wow! Has it really been that long ago when I was holding you in my arms, changing your diapers,and tickling your toes ? My Christopher is a high school graduate, well the ceremony isn't until next week but today was his last day of school. I can very well remember the day he was born. The nurses were all commenting on his long eyelashes. LOL I was just so happy to finally be able to hold him and let him feel all the love I have for him. I guess I'm going through some form of seperation anxiety. He's 18 now, and will soon find a life on his own. Hopefully he'll stay at home a few more years before venturing out. I told him a few days ago that he doesn't need me now, but don't our kids always need their Moms? Yea, I'm sure they do. I just miss the days when he was little and his laughter filling the house, and doing all those Mommy things that Mom's do. We've always had a close knit family. I wouldn't have it any other way. My prayer is that The Lord above keeps my boys in his loving arms and surrounded with the angels protection. Christopher and Daron, I love yall like nothing else in this world!! My best to you both always! Love, Mom

The Soldiers Mother Creed

"I am the mother of an American Soldier"I give my complete and unwavering support to my soldier.As my son serves the people of the United States, so Ihumbly offer up my prayers for his safety and the safetyand health of those he serves beside.I respect his choice to adhere to a strict moral codeand system of values that has preserved our greatcountry for over two centuries.I accept that my soldier's first duty is to his countryand I understand that this sacrifice he willingly makesis what keeps our nation great.I will never expect anything but the best from my soldierfor I know he is capable. I know that a soldier's heart istrue and strong, and that my soldier will endure.I will never abandon my soldier, my son, my love.I will love him unconditionally. he will know I amthere for him, even when he is alone.I am disciplined, emotionally and mentally tough,learning to wait for phone calls and letters oremails home. I, like my soldier, am an expert.I stand ready to do what ever I can do to let myson, my soldier, know that we are here for himbeside him, we love him and I will pray for swiftdestruction of the enemies of our country.I am the person who stood guardian of this manwho has become my soldier, now our guardian offreedom and the American way of life."I AM THE MOTHER OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER."author unknown

News from the sandbox

Just before Memorial Day weekend there was a incident there. We were unable to hear from our son for about a week. We were so worried about him. I was worried,but Dad took it in stride. You Mothers know how it is to worry over our children even when they are grown. Finally we received a message from him and all is well. Thank you,Jesus!! I know alot of families don't get to hear from their soldiers for longer periods than this. I was truly thankful to hear from him and to know all is well. As his time in the sandbox goes on, I'm sure we will have periods of not hearing from him for long periods. I just pray that God helps me to get through this deployment. Daron has always been around home and not one to venture out as much as other young men. He had never traveled anywhere far away by himself. I just really have to trust that God is looking after my Daron.

Doggies are human too

Last week I wrote about Buddy getting sick and his visit to the vet's office.

We had to take him back again, while he was at the vet for a few hours that day, unknowing to us he also contacted kennel cough. We brought him home and he was and is recooperating nicely, but developed a bad cough and coughing up phlepm. So we go and take him back to the Vet to treat him for this. Got the meds and begin treatment. So a few days later, our other doggie Dixie begins coughing, not quite as bad as Buddy but still. We get up Sunday morning and take her in , the Vet treats her the same as Buddy was for kennel cough. While the Vet was giving Dixie a injection she turned around and snapped at him. Never before has she snapped at anyone. We make our apologies to the Doc. He replies she has a right, because she has the mother of all sore throats. I know doggies get sick, but never thought about them having a sore throat. Anyhow we got meds for Dixie as well, we are so hoping that after this round of Vet visits and antibiotics our doggies are soon well. The purse strings can't withstand much more. When Buddy and Dixie are well after their sicknesses we have to take them back for updated vaccinations. Hopefully that will be the end of Vet visits for awhile.

Ohh Buddyboy

Poor Buddy had a bad start to the week. He is a outside doggy, and got wrapped up in his chain.

He was having a terrible time trying to get loose. He was all tangled up and caught on a fence post. Luckily that sweet man of mine went out and found what a shape he was in. Darold took him to the local Vet's office. They kept Buddy most of the day. I know I aggravated the staff calling about Buddy during the day.We went back to check on him and he was doing much better. The Vet let us bring him back home, and Home Sweet Home has new meaning now.

He bounced right out of the car. He is still recooperating but doing so much better. Doggies are family members too.

Problems problems...

First my computer died on me. Bless its soul, I had used it for a good 5-6 years without any problems. I guess I can't complain much. So, I got my youngest son's tower to use. Ummm its slow as molasses. So my sweetheart buys a whole new computer for me. Its refurbished but new anyhow. I know quite much about computers but for the life of me, I couldn't get it to work.
Finally after I had enough messing with it, I called my ISP provider. After a short conversatin with them, I finally get a tech out to the house. The problem was the way I hook into the Internet was not compatible with the new computer. So at last its fixed and I'm online once again. Yea!! Watch out cyberspace! LOL

Happy Mother's Day

Just wanted to wish you all a very happy Mother's Day!
This will be my first year without both my sons. Last year
Daron had to come early, and actually wasn't around on Mother's day.
This year he is deployed out and I will most certainly be missing him.
I do plan to enjoy the day with my youngest one. Hopefully next year
Daron will be home. Anyhow... I hope each and every one of you have
the best Mother's day you've had yet. God Bless you all !!

Mother's Day

Mothers enjoy Mother's Day because they want to be acknowledged and appreciated for all they have done for their children throughout the years as their mom.
If you’re a parent, you know that most good deeds done by Mother's and Father's go unnoticed. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to think back on all that your mother has gone through for you. Remember the financial strain your mother endured to get you those braces? How she made you eat those carrots and green beans so you wouldn’t grow into an adult who only eats red meat for supper? All those times she told you not to swear so you wouldn't develop bad habits, even when you caught her saying one once in a while? And all the worrying she did over you when you first started school, first started to date, and took that big move away from home. For those of us who aren't moms, such sacrifices and unconditional love can seem a little hard to relate to. Mother's Day can seem like just another holiday that we don’t get off work, and you just have to buy a card, a few flowers, and then you're off the hook. But for your mom, remember that the day has much more meaning.Mother's Day holds more meaning than a Mother's own birthday. She looks to you to be with her after all the times she was there for you.This year, surprise your mom and do something special for her this Mother's Day. It isn’t the present that she’s looking forward to, it’s you. Appreciate her for all that she’s done, and all that she means to you.

Second Chances

Well, where can I start?
The last 2 years have brought me alot of different changes. My babies, that I gave birth to and love with all of my heart and soul have grown up to be men. Gosh where does the time go? Seems it was just awhile ago I was changing their diapers and helping them learn to walk. I wouldn't change a thing, for my life with them. They are my heart! Christopher recently turned 18 and thinks he now knows all of lifes unanswerable questions. Daron is fighting for our country that we all love and adore. My ex husband has reentered my life, and I guess to some it may seem crazy that we are dating and enjoying each others company again. He was always a great provider for our family, and he's always been a really good man. When we were together we both made mistakes, now I'm just really happy we have been given another chance to make things right. This time around, he is such a sweetheart, and he checks on me daily to make sure I'm doing fine. I know there are plenty of people thinking if love can be true and found. I was one of those not long ago. I now can truly see God has blessed my life, and I'm so thankful we've been given this chance. So go ahead and call me crazy, insane or whatever. I know now true love does exist, and God has it all worked out. We just have to be patient, for it is all in his time.

Daron has deployed

Daron had a few days at home with us before deploying out.

I am most grateful, as I've heard alot times families do not

have any time with their soldiers before they leave. We did

however have a few most enjoyable days. During his stay at

home, we did have to take him back to base a few times to

just check in. Once we took him and waited around him on him

all day. I truly believe the saying that says the military is all

hurry up and wait. Jeesh... we wanted as much time as possible

with him, as I know other families did their soldiers as well.

The deployment ceremony was a mess. It was held at a local

colieseum. The fire inspector came out and said the building

had reached capacity. Many family members were locked out,

while some others were available to watch the ceremony in a

nearby building on a big screen. It was absolutely terrible this

happened. I waited an hour in line to get in and see the ceremony.

My heart broke for the families that were turned away or locked

out. The ceremony was opened to the public, but it was a disaster

some families could not see their soldier in the ceremony. Hopefully

the returning ceremony will handled differently and much better!

I have ?? If anyone can help please

I have 3 different sites I'd like to add links to on my page here.
I have tried but they won't show up. Can anyone enlighten me on
what to do? Thank you in advance!

What A Beautiful Day

It is absolutely gorgeous here today!
I got up this morning and it was warm and the sun shining
through the windows. The birds are chirpping their lil songs.
People are outside enjoy the weather. I was so ready for this!
What a delightful day it is. The wind is blowing a small breeze.
I'll try my best to take some pictures later on and share with you.
I hope eveyone is having a great day and enjoying nice weather!

3 Times the charm

Gosh it has been so cold here the last few days. Tempertures have been in the low 30's and below. This morning we had a light dusting of snow. No accumlation, but still it was snow. Three times this year so far! I am just so ready for warmer weather and sunshine. I want to hear and watch the birds singing, see the children playing outside. Ohh I'mn just ready for sweet sweet Summertime!

Reflecting back

The weather has been cold and rainy here. I am so ready for the Summer and sunshine!
I'm ready to plant flowers, feel the sun on my skin, and relax by the pool. An occasional few
trips to the beach are in order as well. Yesterday was my youngest son's birthday. He is now
18! Whewww... where has all the time gone? Seems it was only a few years back I was looking
after his every whim. He has grown so much over the years. I am a very proud Mother! He has
grown in more than physical sense. It makes me proud, but also a bit sad. I love my children so
very much! They are the rays that make my sun shine!

Weekend Pass

My son and his unit has a weekend pass.
I tried looking a flight to join him.
However as it was last minute and the rates
were just too expensive. Had I known in advance
I could have gotten one earlier. Ahh well its just part
of the military rollercoaster. I'm just praying he stays
safe by hisself, and doesn't do anything crazy. Boys
will be boys. LOL

Season 8 Of American Idol

I really do enjoy watching this show.
It is so hilarious watching people that think they can sing but can't.
Then I really enjoy those that can and give such fantastical performances.
Tonight they picked 3 to go on to the final 12. The lil crazy girl ~God Bless her
she could sing but didn't make it. I really thought they might have to call the
paramedics to her. She was heartbroke and distraught but took it in stride.
The 3 that made it, are good. I really like the girl and the steel worker. I can't
hardly wait to watch more of it next week.

Valentine's 2009

So I thought this would be a really bad day. Actually it was a pretty great day.

I received a package from my National Guardsman earlier in the week. He sent me

a leather keychain he had made just for Mama! He is such a sweetheart. Some girl

just doesn't know how lucky she is going to be. He also sent me a pedicure set, and

had enclosed a lil note inside. He made my day! On the heart of heart day, a good

friend asked me to dinner. The day was really good. I hope you all had a great sweet

day as well.

Snow Twice in the same year

We got snow twice this year so far. I do love to watch it fall. One of my favorite pasttimes is sitting at the window or front door with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and just watching the flakes fall. I love it when it is just snow. The sleet and all can just wait for another day. I remember as a child being at my Grandmothers house, she would go out with me and catch snowflakes on our tongues. Then after our time playing around. We would gather snow and take it back into the house. She would then go about making the best snow cream. She had these aluminum glasses that we would eat the snow cream out of. Those were some of the best days ever! Here is a picture of one of the days of recent snow we had. I love this big old magnolia tree. It looks like a gigantic Christmas tree to me. It is just beautiful! I do like the snow but I enjoy the spring and summer much more. Can't wait until I get to plant some new flowers!

Suicide Is not a answer

Yesterday I learned a friend of mine's ex boyfriend took a overdose and died.
Why are so many people taking their own lives? This is never a answer to any
problem. The person who does it, sure they aren't here to deal with anything.
What about the ones who are left? Why can't they think of us,before doing this
horrible thing? I just can't understand how a person gets to that point, and chooses
not to think of how things will be after they are gone. People really do love them
and care for them. I just can't understand it.

Feeling Refreshed!

At last, I am truly feeling I am leaving behind the things that
I have been plauging me for awhile now. I have woke up this
morning and feel a renewing of myself. Refreshing and feeling
like I can conquer the world. LOL
Maybe not conquering the world, but pretty damn close!! LOL
I can feel that things are beginning anew, and I have truly started
over. Clean slate, and ready to write in pen!
WooHoo! Watch out world!!

Life

I have decided to not dwell on all the things that has happened in my life recently. To keep my sanity I have to. Not that I had much sanity to begin with. LOL Just because all the things that have happened, doesn't mean I have to stop living. I can't give up or stop living. I have two wonderful sons, and family and friends that are the best in this world. We just have to keep on keeping on and not be overcome by the bad things. There are alot of good things too. We just have to concentrate on those. When we do the best that we can, we know that we have done what we can. We just have to trust in God and leave the rest to him. The Bible says that God will not place anymore on us than what we can bear. We are stronger than we think at times. God gives us strength we don't know we have. Wish me luck , and keep me in all your prayers. I hope you all have a great day and weekend!

Todays Adventures

Today I have tried to keep myself busy.
I try to stay busy so as not to dwell on things
that have happened recently. Today I cleaned
windows, cleaned blinds, washed curtains, washed
the shower curtain, swept floors, changed bed linens,
washed clothes, and vaccumed. I think I did a good
job today staying busy. Now I am tired and ready for
a lil bit of R&R. Laterzz my friends! Love yall!
Take care and have a great weekend!
God Bless you all !!!

Frankie D

He is my brother, and mentally challenged.

He is a great brother and I love him. He

is mentally challenged from birth. He just

needs help in making day to day decisions.

He can and does a good job looking after

himself. He resides in a great group home

with others like him. It took a long time

finding him a good place to live, but now

we have. Frank has helped me to grow

as a person and teaches me new things

about life all the time. I am hoping to

soon be able to spend some quality time

with him, just us and family. Frankie D

here is to you and being the great person

and brother that you are!! Love ya!

Christopher

I can't post about one and not the other.
Chris is a Senior in High School. He is doing
great. Last report card he had straight A's.
Oh Yea! He has a girlfriend that he thinks
the world of. I'm just hoping she returns
those feelings. They have had a rough patch
for a bit. Chris has a good job and the guys he
works for are good people. They left the other
week and had him in charge of everything. With
the things that have happened in my life recently,
Chris comes by to check on me daily. I really do
love getting to see him so much more now. Moving
back here does have advantages. I am blessed to
have my Kissyfur!

My Guardsman

Daron called today several times. I love hearing from him so much!
I am a very proud Mama!! He has done so well for himself. He has
a great career, a nice home of his own, a couple vehicles, a shop to
tinker in. He is currently training to deploy in a few months. Its
going to be really hard knowing hes across the world. He says its
across the pond. LOL I sent him a package last week and he finally
got it today. I'm planning on sending another next week to him. He
wanted to know what, I told him it was a surprise. I got to really
hook him up. I do miss him so much, but I'm proud I can say he is
helping to fight for our freedom and that just makes me boast with
pride! Yea thats my son!!! I love you Daron! My Spc. is the best!

No place that far

I cant imagine, any greater fearThen waking up, without you here,And though the sun, will still shine on,My whole world, would all be gone,But not for long,If I had to run, if I had to crawlIf I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls,Always know that I will find a way, to get to where you are,Theres no place that farIt wouldnt matter why were apart,Lonely minds or two stubborn heartsNothing short of God aboveCould turn me away from your loveI need you that muchIf I had to run, if I had to crawlIf I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls,Always know that I will find a way, to get to where you are,Theres no place that farIf I had to run, if I had to crawlIf I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls,Always know that I will find a way, to get to where you are,Theres no place that farBaby theres no place that far