Lee is in Iraq

I got a message from Mattie today letting me know she heard from Lee. He arrived safe and sound. Basically he said he is bored!!! I would rather he be bored than be in battle!!!!
I am sure everyone is concerned about the state of our nation, and our world. I believe there is more going on in our day and age at this time than there has been for a long time. Definitley in my life time and I would almost venture to believe I could say that applies for the last couple of generations. I know our grandparents had WWII to deal with and I know that was horrible and many sacrifices were made. History has a way of repeating its self!!! The kids and I were talking about this the other night. How very grateful I am for the people that are willing to sacrifice so that I can have the freedoms that I have had. So many people protest war. Dont get me wrong. I don't like war!!! I don't think anyone does. But, it was through war and battle that we have the freedoms we have. It was because of war fought and won, that we have the right to protest!!!! I am grateful to those who fought in the past and their families and to those who stand up for the right and fight today. It will be a sad day in the world when people turn their cheek and "don't get involved" when others are being brutalized and mistreated. What if we would have taken that stand in WWII against Hitler and just let him do what he wanted!!! Why do so many think that we should not stand up against terrorism when they hurt so many? I reiterate, I don't like war, noone does. But we have to stand up for the right, and you can not reason with unreasonable people!!!

Becca's Hope

I have wanted to do this for a long time and I have finally put something into motion. As many of you know, our daughter Becca is a type 1 diabetic. I have gone throught he ups and downs of being the mother of a diabetic and have always wanted to do something to help. Now is my time.

We have added a link to our website with the Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation, to our blog. Please take a minute to go to this site and see what you can do to help in the fight against Diabetes. Just click on her picture above in the upper left corner of the blog site and you will be taken to our website.

For those of you who are not familiar with type 1 diabetes, go to our site and learn a little :) This disease never goes away, never takes a vacation and is unpredictable. Brave children and teenagers as well as adults and the families of these people live with this disease every day... 24/7.

A Mom's Promise...

She walks down the hallway in silence so deep,
Keeping watch over him, as her little one sleeps.
With meter in hand, she opens his door,
Making sure not to wake him as she crosses the floor.

She sits on his bedside and brushes his hair,
As he dreams of shooting baskets, without a 'D' care.
She holds his hand softly; his fingers so small,
As she watches and wonders why 'D' came to call.

While she watches him sleeping, so peaceful and warm,
The forces inside him fight a constant 'D' storm.
Will he ever be free of shots and blood testing?
She sits and she wonders as she watches him resting.

The beep of the meter breaks the silence of the night,
A small drop of blood tells if everything's right.
The seconds count down to the final display,
I hate this damn meter; I want to throw it away.

The number is fine, one down, a lifetime to go,
As he turns in his sleep, will he ever know?
Why does this ‘D’ happen to someone so small?
My son is my hero, but my baby most of all.

She turns at his doorway, looking back one more time,
It's a nightly routine of the very worst kind.
She walks down the hallway and time passes by,
As she sits in dark silence and quietly cries.

I have to stay strong, and for him I will fight,
We’ll battle this ‘D’ with all of our might.
I’ll teach him to master and conquer this foe,
This 'D' will not stop him, I promised him so.

Gary
2001

He is my Son

I have just been hit with a bit of nostalgia. You know, he was, is my little boy!!! He will be leaving on Tuesday, September 16th and I cant seem to get it off my mind. I don't know that I am really worried about him. I do believe that the Lord is in charge!! But I will miss him!! So many memories of the past that seem to have been long forgotten keep coming back. He used to run around the house with everything stuffed down his underpants. Usually guns or swords or pieces of sticks that he made into something amazing in his little mind. He was so strong and so diligent in his beliefs and values. Fairness was always his motto. When the other children were playing together, sometimes I would wonder, "Where is Lee?" I would search and find him in a small world of his own, his imagination running wild. I would squat down and say, "Come give mommy a hug." and whoa!!! whatch out, because he would come running and not stop. A hug was a full out tackle!!! But I loved the "hugs" He still gives the best hugs. You know, the ones that are really heart felt, full of love!!!! He always stood up for the underdog! He didn't like anyone being treated unfairly. Hmmm, he must still feel this way. Where did the time go? Where is my son? He is a Marine and I love him for his sacrifice! He is my son!

An update on the family

Wow, I lost my page!!! The family is doing great. Curtis has moved down to Tempe to attend ASU. He is living with his brother Adam and they are doing great. Adam and Janna are expecting and Janna is looking pregnant now. She is beautiful. Our little granddaughter has even let us feel her moving around. Nothing in life is better than being a mother.
Lee is leaving for Iraq in 6 days. We spent last weekend in San Diego with him and saying our good bye's for now. He will be gone for 7 months over there. Our hearts go with him. He is a good son and I love him so much for what he is doing. Remember, Be the Good Water!!!!
Melissa had her baby yesterday morning. Mommy and baby are doing well.
We have a new exchange daughter, Rebecca, from Norway and she is a lot of fun to have in our home!! We are enjoying her personality and sense of humor.
Becca is participating in varsity cheer and enjoying that. Our daughter in law, Shanlee, is her coach. Jacob made the varsity football team but then got ANOTHER concussion, so he is going to sit it out for this year and let his head heal. Michael is in 6th grade now and will always be his mothers little boy. He is so sweet to me. I am a blessed mother.
Things here in our community are slow, just like the rest of the country, but we are moving forward.
Summer was hectic. I had 2 surgeries that took their toll on my family and me a little, but things are back in the swing of normalacy and life is good!!!!
Til next time
We love you all!!!