Saturday, November 29, 2008

changes... again...

Life is crazy sometimes but it always works out like it should. I have changed men in my life again. Derick and I have gone our seperate ways for a variety of reason and Dustin and I are talking again and working things out, which is so wonderful. We both realize we made some mistakes but believe in second chances, something I have never given before. Life is funny that way, something I swore I would never do just seems so right. We're taking things slow, something that is crucial to 2nd chances or so I've been told. I never gave them out before because before the reasons for my breakups were so hurtful, so horrible, there was no going back. This time, we both got hurt, we both got scared and instead of coming together we pulled apart. It's important, I think, to recognize where you've come from but to keep moving forward, we both recognize we need to be more open and honest with eachother and to seek eachother when we have problems instead of holding them in. I'm very excited to see what the future holds :-)

Anyway.... It's almost the start of December which means one thing for me, well maybe two... DECEMBER OFF and it's CHRISTMAS time!! Two of my favorite things combined into one WONDERFUL month of relaxation and love. Can't wait to see what December brings.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

So excited

OKAY just have to say that I am SO excited that my cousin is pregnant again!
As most of you know I have always been crazy about babies but there is something so special when someone you have grown up with adds to the family. Kristen and Chris blessed us 2 September's ago with handsome Nicholas (he just turned 1) and in May they will add a new little one to our family. I am so excited and so happy for them! What a blessing new babies are.
SO Kristen if you're reading this just know that I love you guys and can't wait to meet that new little one!
GO TEAM PINK!!!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

To honor those who have and still serve...

I received the following in an e-mail today and couldn't help but put it here....

The average age of the military man is 19 years.
He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.

He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.

He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other.

He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle.

He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.


Prayer for our Troops:
'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'


Thank you for taking the time to read this