Happy 37th Birthday My Love! I know it sucks where you are and you probably aren't having a lot of fun but the boys wanted to say Happy Birthday!!!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Happy Birthday My Love!
Happy 37th Birthday My Love! I know it sucks where you are and you probably aren't having a lot of fun but the boys wanted to say Happy Birthday!!!
Friday, March 28, 2008
RaNdOmNeSs
So I have a lot of thoughts going through my head so I'll be bouncing from one topic to the next and none really relate to one another, hence the name of this blog entry.
This morning as I was attacking my laundry, I was flipping through the channels and came across a TV show that seemed interesting. It was called Trading Spouses. The two moms were switched out and one was a God-fearing Christian while the other was Unitarian. I won't go into explaining the whole concept of the show but I wanted to make mention of what made me crack up. I found it extremely hilarious (and quite sad actually) that the Christian woman went on and on about how she was being forced into the darkside and she was crazy hysterical yelling all sorts of nonsense rebuking everything in the name of Jesus Christ. Here was the kicker, she'd be going on and on about how she was a Spiritual Warrior, how she was a Christian and all this other stuff but there she was cursing like a Sailor and being so close-minded and judgemental. I just thought it was quite shameful at the kind of example she was. I did sadly (and I know I'm wrong) laugh at the woman being hysterical..but it was laughter out of disbelief at how disconnected the woman truly was.
Just a note, this blogger is Christian and I admit all my flaws and do not claim to be perfect in anyway and realize I do need to repent for writing about the crazy woman and judging her.
Ok, my second RaNdOm thought of the day. Tonight for dinner I took the boys to IHOP. I admit to being lazy and wanting out of my house away from the psychotic pile of laundry that I have been trying to tame all day. So we place our order and the two younger boys order this insane drink called..well honestly I dont' remember what it was called but it was Sprite with chunks of jello in it (GROSS). It was themed after the movie Horton Hears a Who. Well anyway, lately all three of the boys have a hard time getting along. It really doesn't matter what they are doing, a fight usually breaks out. Sometimes it's physical, sometimes it's loud words, sometimes it's dirty looks. Well today it involved an argument over the activity page on the back of the menu. They were playing a dot game and a few seconds later it involved shoving of crayons off the page resulting in spilled soda and jello chunks on the table. I didn't yell at them but I was very displeased and made them clean it up and told them they could not have a refill, that they must have water with their meal. Next thing I know, some lady from a couple tables over says to me, you know it's not really a big deal, I don't think you should punish them like that, let them have the fun drink, after all they are just kids. Well first off..lady..it's none of your dang business. Secondly, you have no say in what I do with my kids. And thirdly, I have gone from displeased with my children to pissed off at the nosey lady a few tables over. I never understand people who feel they have the right to say anything to parents who are trying to discipline their children. I understand we may have been a distraction (we weren't really since we were not loud or anything) but seriously what gives her the right to say anything to me? I told her to mind her own business and if she wanted an opinion on how to raise children, get some of her own.
So I want to say to people who think they might have good intentions, do not try and undermine parents who are trying to discipline their children in a public setting. And if you do happen to feel the need to do so, please make sure it's not me you're talking to!
Just so everyone does not think today has been totally negative..I have some positive things to blog about.
Michael got 100 out of 100 points on his Science Fair Project! Go Michael! He did a fabulous job and I got a great email from his teacher bragging on his project!
Neil didn't do so well on his CBA's because he second guessed himself and changed his answers BUT the good news in this is that he did not beat himself up over it. This is a HUGE step for him and I am proud of him either way because he has made A/B Honor Roll yet again! Go Neil!
Daniel scored the highest on their Math CBA in his class. He was very happy with himself! So go Daniel!
Well now I must end this blog because my children are doing something upstairs that sounds like they could come through the ceiling at any moment!
Have a great day!
This morning as I was attacking my laundry, I was flipping through the channels and came across a TV show that seemed interesting. It was called Trading Spouses. The two moms were switched out and one was a God-fearing Christian while the other was Unitarian. I won't go into explaining the whole concept of the show but I wanted to make mention of what made me crack up. I found it extremely hilarious (and quite sad actually) that the Christian woman went on and on about how she was being forced into the darkside and she was crazy hysterical yelling all sorts of nonsense rebuking everything in the name of Jesus Christ. Here was the kicker, she'd be going on and on about how she was a Spiritual Warrior, how she was a Christian and all this other stuff but there she was cursing like a Sailor and being so close-minded and judgemental. I just thought it was quite shameful at the kind of example she was. I did sadly (and I know I'm wrong) laugh at the woman being hysterical..but it was laughter out of disbelief at how disconnected the woman truly was.
Just a note, this blogger is Christian and I admit all my flaws and do not claim to be perfect in anyway and realize I do need to repent for writing about the crazy woman and judging her.
Ok, my second RaNdOm thought of the day. Tonight for dinner I took the boys to IHOP. I admit to being lazy and wanting out of my house away from the psychotic pile of laundry that I have been trying to tame all day. So we place our order and the two younger boys order this insane drink called..well honestly I dont' remember what it was called but it was Sprite with chunks of jello in it (GROSS). It was themed after the movie Horton Hears a Who. Well anyway, lately all three of the boys have a hard time getting along. It really doesn't matter what they are doing, a fight usually breaks out. Sometimes it's physical, sometimes it's loud words, sometimes it's dirty looks. Well today it involved an argument over the activity page on the back of the menu. They were playing a dot game and a few seconds later it involved shoving of crayons off the page resulting in spilled soda and jello chunks on the table. I didn't yell at them but I was very displeased and made them clean it up and told them they could not have a refill, that they must have water with their meal. Next thing I know, some lady from a couple tables over says to me, you know it's not really a big deal, I don't think you should punish them like that, let them have the fun drink, after all they are just kids. Well first off..lady..it's none of your dang business. Secondly, you have no say in what I do with my kids. And thirdly, I have gone from displeased with my children to pissed off at the nosey lady a few tables over. I never understand people who feel they have the right to say anything to parents who are trying to discipline their children. I understand we may have been a distraction (we weren't really since we were not loud or anything) but seriously what gives her the right to say anything to me? I told her to mind her own business and if she wanted an opinion on how to raise children, get some of her own.
So I want to say to people who think they might have good intentions, do not try and undermine parents who are trying to discipline their children in a public setting. And if you do happen to feel the need to do so, please make sure it's not me you're talking to!
Just so everyone does not think today has been totally negative..I have some positive things to blog about.
Michael got 100 out of 100 points on his Science Fair Project! Go Michael! He did a fabulous job and I got a great email from his teacher bragging on his project!
Neil didn't do so well on his CBA's because he second guessed himself and changed his answers BUT the good news in this is that he did not beat himself up over it. This is a HUGE step for him and I am proud of him either way because he has made A/B Honor Roll yet again! Go Neil!
Daniel scored the highest on their Math CBA in his class. He was very happy with himself! So go Daniel!
Well now I must end this blog because my children are doing something upstairs that sounds like they could come through the ceiling at any moment!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Real Meaning of 4,000....
I have to say I believe this is one of the first articles in the news that explained somewhat my feelings on the numbers game that is often displayed across the screens of televisions or atop my computer screens. Someone recently made a comment to me that we had "only" lost about 4,000. I was honestly offended by his comment because I personally knew a few of those 4,000 and I know to the families and friends of any of those Fallen Heroes, there was no "only" attitude about it.
The Real Meaning of 4,000 Dead
By LIEUT. SEAN WALSH 2 hours, 31 minutes ago
The passing of the 4,000th service member in Iraq is a tragic milestone and a testament to the cost of this war, but for those of us who live and fight in Iraq, we measure that cost in smaller, but much more personal numbers. For me those numbers are 8, the number of friends and classmates killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 3, the number of soldiers from my unit killed in this deployment. I'm 25, yet I've received more notifications for funerals than invitations to weddings.
The number 4,000 is too great to grasp even for us that are here in Iraq. When we soldiers read the newspaper, the latest AP casualty figures are glanced over with the same casual interest as a box score for a sport you don't follow. I am certain that I am not alone when I open up the Stars and Stripes, the military's daily paper, and immediately search for the section with the names of the fallen to see if they include anyone I know. While in a combat outpost in southwest Baghdad, it was in that distinctive bold Ariel print in a two-week-old copy of the Stars and Stripes that I read that my best friend had been killed in Afghanistan. No phone call from a mutual friend or a visit to his family. All that had come and gone by the time I had learned about his death. I sometimes wonder, if I hadn't picked up that paper, how much longer I would have gone by without knowing - perhaps another day, perhaps a week or longer until I could find the time and the means to check my e-mail to find my messages unanswered and a death notification from a West Point distro list in my inbox. The dead in Afghanistan don't seem to inspire the keeping of lists the same way that those in Iraq do, but even if they did it wouldn't matter; he could only be number 7 to me.
I'm not asking for pity, only understanding for the cost of this war. We did, after all, volunteer for the Army and that is the key distinction between this army and the army of the Vietnam War. But even as I ask for that understanding I'm almost certain that you won't be able to obtain it. Even Shakespeare, with his now overused notion of soldiers as a "band of brothers" fails to capture the bonds, the sense of responsibility to each other, among soldiers. In many ways, Iraq has become my home (by the time my deployment ends I will have spent more time here than anywhere else in the army) and the soldiers I share that home with have become my family. Between working, eating and sleeping within a few feet of the same soldiers every single day, I doubt I am away from them for more than two hours a day. I'm engaged to the love of my life, but it will take several years of marriage before I've spent as much time with her as I have with the men I serve with today.
For the vast majority of American's who don't have a loved one overseas, the only number they have to attempt to grasp the Iraq War is 4,000. I would ask that when you see that number, try to remember that it is made up of over 1 million smaller numbers; that every one of the 1 million service members who have fought in Iraq has his or her own personal numbers. Over 1 million 8's and 3's. When you are evaluating the price of the war, weighing potential rewards versus cost in blood and treasure, I would ask you to consider what is worth the lives of three of your loved ones? Or eight? Or more? It would be a tragedy for my 8 and 3 to have died without us being able to complete our mission, but it maybe even more tragic for 8 and 3 to become anything higher.
The Real Meaning of 4,000 Dead
By LIEUT. SEAN WALSH 2 hours, 31 minutes ago
The passing of the 4,000th service member in Iraq is a tragic milestone and a testament to the cost of this war, but for those of us who live and fight in Iraq, we measure that cost in smaller, but much more personal numbers. For me those numbers are 8, the number of friends and classmates killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 3, the number of soldiers from my unit killed in this deployment. I'm 25, yet I've received more notifications for funerals than invitations to weddings.
The number 4,000 is too great to grasp even for us that are here in Iraq. When we soldiers read the newspaper, the latest AP casualty figures are glanced over with the same casual interest as a box score for a sport you don't follow. I am certain that I am not alone when I open up the Stars and Stripes, the military's daily paper, and immediately search for the section with the names of the fallen to see if they include anyone I know. While in a combat outpost in southwest Baghdad, it was in that distinctive bold Ariel print in a two-week-old copy of the Stars and Stripes that I read that my best friend had been killed in Afghanistan. No phone call from a mutual friend or a visit to his family. All that had come and gone by the time I had learned about his death. I sometimes wonder, if I hadn't picked up that paper, how much longer I would have gone by without knowing - perhaps another day, perhaps a week or longer until I could find the time and the means to check my e-mail to find my messages unanswered and a death notification from a West Point distro list in my inbox. The dead in Afghanistan don't seem to inspire the keeping of lists the same way that those in Iraq do, but even if they did it wouldn't matter; he could only be number 7 to me.
I'm not asking for pity, only understanding for the cost of this war. We did, after all, volunteer for the Army and that is the key distinction between this army and the army of the Vietnam War. But even as I ask for that understanding I'm almost certain that you won't be able to obtain it. Even Shakespeare, with his now overused notion of soldiers as a "band of brothers" fails to capture the bonds, the sense of responsibility to each other, among soldiers. In many ways, Iraq has become my home (by the time my deployment ends I will have spent more time here than anywhere else in the army) and the soldiers I share that home with have become my family. Between working, eating and sleeping within a few feet of the same soldiers every single day, I doubt I am away from them for more than two hours a day. I'm engaged to the love of my life, but it will take several years of marriage before I've spent as much time with her as I have with the men I serve with today.
For the vast majority of American's who don't have a loved one overseas, the only number they have to attempt to grasp the Iraq War is 4,000. I would ask that when you see that number, try to remember that it is made up of over 1 million smaller numbers; that every one of the 1 million service members who have fought in Iraq has his or her own personal numbers. Over 1 million 8's and 3's. When you are evaluating the price of the war, weighing potential rewards versus cost in blood and treasure, I would ask you to consider what is worth the lives of three of your loved ones? Or eight? Or more? It would be a tragedy for my 8 and 3 to have died without us being able to complete our mission, but it maybe even more tragic for 8 and 3 to become anything higher.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Silent Heroes
It has been a long, exhausting day but it was a great! I volunteer at our elementary school with the Deployment Club. Tonight was our Welcome Home Banquet. I have to say I am so proud of these kids. They planned the whole program and it was awesome. They wanted to do something to say Thank You to the Soldiers who just returned and so they planned a short program with a Spaghetti Dinner.
I am always touched by the kids in this club. They are so brave and courageous. I think a lot of times the kids are overlooked during deployments. I don't know how many people really stop to listen to what they have to say. We are hoping through this club we can be a venue to help them sort through their emotions. I am touched when they bring in their pictures to share, or their special pillow...a blanket. We are excited with them when they say their mommy or daddy is coming home...we are sad with them when they share that their Soldier is going back overseas. For some of the kids, they have never known life without their parent missing an important part of their life. And they accept it, they know it's how it is. I admire their strength.
Tonight we honored our returning Soldiers, but we also honored these young little warriors. Four young girls sang God Bless the U.S.A, as I looked around the room, I saw tears in many eyes...one Soldier in uniform was crying, I was touched. I beg you to sit in a room listening to children sing this song that makes me cry just hearing it by Lee Greenwood and not at least mist a little.
I am not going to share pics as I try not to post pics of other people's children (and Mr. T takes horrible pics!) but I will share some of their drawings. We took their pictures, scanned them and made them into buttons to hand out to the families.
P.S. I don't plan on eating spaghetti for a very long time!Happy Birthday Michael!
Where has the time gone? I swear it was just yesterday I was creeping into Michael's room to make sure that he was alright. From the day he was born he always slept through the night. He has always been a good kid. I can't believe he's 12. It makes me sad because I would love to keep my kids little forever.Michael is such a sweet spirit. He is so helpful and thoughtful. He is so comfortable with who he is. He has the greatest laugh...a lot of times we have no idea what he is laughing at since he can be quite silly at times but his laughter is contagious.
As he continues to get older, more opportunities await him...some make me cry if I allow myself to think about them others make me proud.
I am so thankful for Michael in my life, the Lord truly blessed us the day He sent Michael to our family.
Happy Birthday Michael!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
800 Eggs, Tanks and a Bunny
Today we had our Battalion Easter Egg Hunt. I think it went really well. We had a crazy amount of eggs...over 2000! I think the coolest part was that we had our Egg Hunt at one of the museum's on post...you know you are truly Army when you're hiding eggs around tanks and other Army vehicles!We had a picnic afterwards and a visit by the Easter Bunny. Overall a good day. I'm not into going out in large crowds with psychotic parents running over children for plastic eggs so my poor kids don't get to attend a lot of events like this but since I was part of the planning process of this I felt I should go. We didn't have any psycho parents (really there was no need to be, some kids collected over 100 eggs each). We had a good time and the kids made out with lots of candy!
That's 800 Easter Eggs
Gotta love Army Easter Egg Hunts!
That's 800 Easter Eggs
Gotta love Army Easter Egg Hunts!
Mr. Bunny and I
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Congrats to Our Soldier!
Congrats to Kevin, the SFC/E7 promotion list came out and he is on it! I feel, in my very biased opinion, that this is long overdue. It will be nice that he will be recognized (and paid) for the position he fills. He will probably get promoted when he is in Iraq (which is kind of crappy, since I think I should be the one that pulls the old rank off and velcroes the new rank on...but such is Army life).
Congrats baby, we are so proud of you!!!
Congrats to all our friends who made the list as well!
P.S. This was our good news that I had mentioned without details in a previous blog...sorry to disappoint some of you who emailed me asking if we were pregnant! We are done having babies, lol
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
5 Years...
Today marks 5 years since our troops crossed the berm into Iraq. It's all over the news, speculation is being made as to how we are going to end this war. Here's what I want to know...how come we haven't on any "anniversary" mention that military operations started on October 7, 2001 in Afghanistan. FYI we still have troops there and they are sacrificing just as much and working just as hard as our troops in Iraq. I hate that when people mention the war they forget those who are serving in Afghanistan.
I don't want to get into a long blog about my beliefs on this war (maybe someday..but not today). The reality for my family is that in a couple months our Soldier heads back to Iraq.
I just wanted to mention that since the media is focused on the 5 year mark of this war (aren't we lucky they are acknowledging it at all?) that we should remember our troops that have served and are serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as well.
It's crazy to think that my youngest child has lived most of his life in a time of war.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Shhhhh...don't talk about it
As we approach another deployment, we are doing what we can to get things in order. Paperwork, the house, his gear...plus the many other things that comes within the realm of deployment.
Kevin and I had "the talk". You know, the one that no one wants to have, the one that most people think if you ignore or push to the back of your mind, there is no need for. The big "WHAT IF" talk. It's hard, it's emotional, it's heart wrenching, but it's something that ALL families should talk about regardless of their career choice.
Military families probably think about it more since it's kind of thrown in their face but the reality is that everyone should have a plan of action. Do you know what your spouse wants done if something should happen to him...does he know what you want? Where will the kids go? What's the life insurance policy going to cover, do you have life insurance? Would you stay in the area or move away? What do you want done as far as funeral arrangements, what would you like done with your possessions?
You might be surprised at the answers if you're brave enough to ask. You might realize you don't really know what your loved one really wants.
Have you updated your Wills? Do you have a Will? What about a Living Will? Do you know where they are?
It's a tough topic but just some food for thought....
Kevin and I had "the talk". You know, the one that no one wants to have, the one that most people think if you ignore or push to the back of your mind, there is no need for. The big "WHAT IF" talk. It's hard, it's emotional, it's heart wrenching, but it's something that ALL families should talk about regardless of their career choice.
Military families probably think about it more since it's kind of thrown in their face but the reality is that everyone should have a plan of action. Do you know what your spouse wants done if something should happen to him...does he know what you want? Where will the kids go? What's the life insurance policy going to cover, do you have life insurance? Would you stay in the area or move away? What do you want done as far as funeral arrangements, what would you like done with your possessions?
You might be surprised at the answers if you're brave enough to ask. You might realize you don't really know what your loved one really wants.
Have you updated your Wills? Do you have a Will? What about a Living Will? Do you know where they are?
It's a tough topic but just some food for thought....
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Gold Star Families
A few weeks ago I was out and about with my friend Nita. We did some shopping and then decided to hit one of our favorite spots to each lunch..T.G.I. Fridays...(mashed tators and ribs anyone?). Well, as we were walking in, what do I see? A Gold Star parking spot. Now, we see them on post at the Commissary and the PX but we had never seen one anywhere off post. This is HUGE...I personally think that it's a wonderful way to honor our families who have really sacrificed so much. It's nice to see them honored by agencies outside the military.
So why blog about it? Well, I figure this is my chance to educate...I come across many people in different settings and I find that most people don't know what a Gold Star Wife/Family is. So I figure, if most don't know what this parking sign means, they won't understand the significance...
So what is a Gold Star Family? Well perhaps I should go back to the history of the Service Star flags...back in World War I, families would hang Service Flags in their windows signifying that they had someone serving in combat. The blue star represents one family member serving in the Armed Forces. The blue star is covered or replaced with a gold star to indicate that the family member was killed or died during the war or period of hostilities. The blue star represents hope and pride, and the gold star represents sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.
Initially the organization was started by mothers who had lost their sons in war and as time has gone on it has expanded to include different organizations including all different aspects of the military family.
Just an extra FYI because I know that there has been some confusion as to who can display a service flag...
The Service flag is authorized for display by Americans to honor their family members who are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during ANY period of war or hostilities. It is not necessary for the Service member to be stationed overseas, or be present where hostilities are taking place. All of the military service members contribute to the performance of our Armed forces regardless of where they are located, and they can also be called upon at any time to enter combat.
Next time you see a Gold Star displayed as shown above say a simple thank you.
The Albrecht's Go Camping...
So after a very long and trying day..the boys and I headed camping. I'm not really a camper..I swore when I got out of the Army that I'd never sleep outdoors again! Well, that wasn't a logical statement given the fact that we have three boys and we happen to be very involved in Scouting. We had a pretty good time. We headed out there after our Pinewood Derby (no pics since I'm not into posting pics of kids who I didn't give birth to.) We got there and got our tent set up. Thankfully we had help because I admit I'm used to GP mediums which I was very good at putting up..but we got our home away from home set up!
After that we got our dinner started...we roasted hot dogs over the open fire...sadly Daniel kept losing his...grrrrrrr, finally mom cooked it for him! He was very animated about it...saying, "I didn't see that coming!" So cute! We also enjoyed S'mores...can't have a campout without them! We were also put on the spot and had to do a skit or song...I braved a solo and sang This Little Light of Mine.
After a bit of chitchatting with the other adults I decided to go to bed otherwise the kids might have stayed up forever...I was rewarded with Neil saying, "it's funner to go camping with you cuz daddy stays up late talking to other adults." I will say that before I go camping again I am investing in an air mattress...and I also plan on making sure we really are on level ground (like Bro H says, he must have a skewed perspective on life). We kept sliding towards the front of the tent all night. Overall it wasn't too bad!
Neil was knocked out!
That's all of Daniel I could see!
Daniel said he needed to take a pic of me first thing this morning..so I'm braving it and posting the awful first morning pic after a night of camping...be nice!
After that we got our dinner started...we roasted hot dogs over the open fire...sadly Daniel kept losing his...grrrrrrr, finally mom cooked it for him! He was very animated about it...saying, "I didn't see that coming!" So cute! We also enjoyed S'mores...can't have a campout without them! We were also put on the spot and had to do a skit or song...I braved a solo and sang This Little Light of Mine.
After a bit of chitchatting with the other adults I decided to go to bed otherwise the kids might have stayed up forever...I was rewarded with Neil saying, "it's funner to go camping with you cuz daddy stays up late talking to other adults." I will say that before I go camping again I am investing in an air mattress...and I also plan on making sure we really are on level ground (like Bro H says, he must have a skewed perspective on life). We kept sliding towards the front of the tent all night. Overall it wasn't too bad!
Neil was knocked out!
That's all of Daniel I could see!Daniel said he needed to take a pic of me first thing this morning..so I'm braving it and posting the awful first morning pic after a night of camping...be nice!No pic of Michael, he slept in a different tent with another Boy Scout.
Making breakfast...LOVE these Shake N Pour containers!
Michael making pancakes too!
Neil was the flag for our ceremony!
I love that on certain parts of Fort Hood, cattle roam freely! (I just had an evil thought I will keep to myself!)
Making breakfast...LOVE these Shake N Pour containers!
Michael making pancakes too!
Neil was the flag for our ceremony!I love that on certain parts of Fort Hood, cattle roam freely! (I just had an evil thought I will keep to myself!)We were in the car about 10 minutes when Daniel crashed!
Mommy came home and crashed too...in fact this mommy is still very tired and sore!
The boys want to go camping when daddy gets back. Wonder how he slept last night...hmmm
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Invisible Mother
*Thanks Jaime for sending this to me*
Invisible Mother....It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phoneand ask to betaken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, orsweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, becauseno one can seeme at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only apair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Canyou open this?Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm aclock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer,'What number isthe Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and theeyes that studied history and the mind that graduated suma cum laude-but nowthey had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.She's going, she's going, she's gone!One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return ofa friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabuloustrip, andshe was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sittingthere, looking around at the others all put together so well. It washard not tocompare and feel sorry for myself.I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with abeautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was abook on the greatcathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to meuntil I read her inscription:'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you arebuilding when no one sees.'In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I woulddiscover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, afterwhich I couldpattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - wehave no record of their names. These builders gave their whole livesfor a work theywould never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected nocredit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith thatthe eyes of Godsaw everything.A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit thecathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving atiny birdon the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why areyou spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will becovered bythe roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It wasalmost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. Isee thesacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. Noact of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcakeyou've baked, istoo small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a greatcathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not adisease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of myownself-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. Asone of the people who show up at a job that they will never seefinished, to workon something that their name will never be on. The writer of the bookwent so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in ourlifetimebecause there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friendhe's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4in themorning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey forthree hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would meanI'd built ashrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add,'You're gonnalove it there.'As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen ifwe're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the worldwill marvel,not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been addedto the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.Great Job, MOM!Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know...I just did.
Invisible Mother....It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phoneand ask to betaken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, orsweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, becauseno one can seeme at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only apair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Canyou open this?Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm aclock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer,'What number isthe Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and theeyes that studied history and the mind that graduated suma cum laude-but nowthey had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.She's going, she's going, she's gone!One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return ofa friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabuloustrip, andshe was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sittingthere, looking around at the others all put together so well. It washard not tocompare and feel sorry for myself.I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with abeautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was abook on the greatcathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to meuntil I read her inscription:'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you arebuilding when no one sees.'In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I woulddiscover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, afterwhich I couldpattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - wehave no record of their names. These builders gave their whole livesfor a work theywould never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected nocredit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith thatthe eyes of Godsaw everything.A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit thecathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving atiny birdon the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why areyou spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will becovered bythe roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It wasalmost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. Isee thesacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. Noact of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcakeyou've baked, istoo small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a greatcathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not adisease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of myownself-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. Asone of the people who show up at a job that they will never seefinished, to workon something that their name will never be on. The writer of the bookwent so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in ourlifetimebecause there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friendhe's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4in themorning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey forthree hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would meanI'd built ashrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add,'You're gonnalove it there.'As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen ifwe're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the worldwill marvel,not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been addedto the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.Great Job, MOM!Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know...I just did.
The Dress Rehearsal...
Ok, not really but that is kind of what it feels like. We dropped off our beloved Soldier last night so he could head off to some fine Army training. It is a small example of what is to come when we say goodbye in a couple months for the BIG farewell. It was kind of weird because there really weren't a lot of families there with their Soldiers. Granted, we have a lot of single Soldiers but still. That is a huge change for us...but regardless, we were there with our Soldier and that is really all that matters.
Of course Kevin had to rest up for the long night to come...
The boys handed out Easter goody bags to the Soldiers...
Keeping our Soldiers in our prayers until they return home safely!
Of course Kevin had to rest up for the long night to come...
The boys handed out Easter goody bags to the Soldiers...
Kev's Team
Keeping our Soldiers in our prayers until they return home safely!Sunday, March 09, 2008
12 years...
Today marks 12 years since Kevin and I said I do and pledged our love for one another...12 years since we looked into one another's eyes both wondering if the ceremony would ever end, would this guy ever stop talking? Yeah, that is really what it was like for me. I knew I loved him and I knew I wanted to be with him forever..but at that moment I was 9 months pregnant and the room was unbearably hot and I was hungry. Yup, folks that is the reality of my wedding day. We swapped our cheap wedding rings and after our ceremony we stopped at McDonald's for some Big Macs (a gourment meal for a pregnant woman, let me tell you!)
I have no shame in telling that tale for it is our story...I can look back and see how far we have come as a couple..as a family...I have no shame. Every trial has ended with growth in some way...every decision has come with consequence...sometimes good, sometimes bad..but whatever it was..we endured it together.
We are no different than any other couple..we have had our good times, we have had our bad times. We have argued, we have joked, we have cried, we have laughed...always it was us...we..two people. We are one union...we are individuals but we don't function one without the other...that is was marriage is really all about.
I look back at the years and think of the hard times...illness, loss of a child, diagnosis of disorders, unwanted separations, deaths of loved ones. My heart aches with some of the memories but they are soon trumped by the memories and smiles of the good times. The births of our children, the milestones, new friendships, an evening at the grocery store, a walk around the neighborhood. I think of the tough times and see how far we've come..if we hadn't endured those moments, we couldn't have the good ones...because as the scriptures say...we can't know joy, if we don't know sorrow.
Kevin is home this year for our anniversary...in 12 years, there have been many where he has been gone. I am grateful that I got to wake up next to him this morning to see his face, his smile...next year, he'll wake up in Iraq and I will wake up alone...again.
Something I've learned over the past 22 months or so is that it's not about worrying about what tomorrow will bring but being grateful for what we have today. To live in the moment.
I will reflect on the past 12 years and be grateful for what the Lord has given us. I will pray that tomorrow brings us more happiness and if a new trial is placed before us, I know that together we can overcome anything.
Kevin...sometimes I don't feel worthy enough of your love...I say the wrong things and I am often selfish...but I am grateful for you in my life. I am grateful for this beautiful little family we have been given. I know that you belong to the Lord and He has only lent you to me for a little while...and I am grateful for that. I love you...forever, for always and no matter what.
I have no shame in telling that tale for it is our story...I can look back and see how far we have come as a couple..as a family...I have no shame. Every trial has ended with growth in some way...every decision has come with consequence...sometimes good, sometimes bad..but whatever it was..we endured it together.
We are no different than any other couple..we have had our good times, we have had our bad times. We have argued, we have joked, we have cried, we have laughed...always it was us...we..two people. We are one union...we are individuals but we don't function one without the other...that is was marriage is really all about.
I look back at the years and think of the hard times...illness, loss of a child, diagnosis of disorders, unwanted separations, deaths of loved ones. My heart aches with some of the memories but they are soon trumped by the memories and smiles of the good times. The births of our children, the milestones, new friendships, an evening at the grocery store, a walk around the neighborhood. I think of the tough times and see how far we've come..if we hadn't endured those moments, we couldn't have the good ones...because as the scriptures say...we can't know joy, if we don't know sorrow.
Kevin is home this year for our anniversary...in 12 years, there have been many where he has been gone. I am grateful that I got to wake up next to him this morning to see his face, his smile...next year, he'll wake up in Iraq and I will wake up alone...again.
Something I've learned over the past 22 months or so is that it's not about worrying about what tomorrow will bring but being grateful for what we have today. To live in the moment.
I will reflect on the past 12 years and be grateful for what the Lord has given us. I will pray that tomorrow brings us more happiness and if a new trial is placed before us, I know that together we can overcome anything.
Kevin...sometimes I don't feel worthy enough of your love...I say the wrong things and I am often selfish...but I am grateful for you in my life. I am grateful for this beautiful little family we have been given. I know that you belong to the Lord and He has only lent you to me for a little while...and I am grateful for that. I love you...forever, for always and no matter what.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Moving Forward
*I tried to post this yesterday...*
Today was a bittersweet day. Today our Brigade reflagged to a new unit. We are no longer 4th ID, we have now joined the "First Team" under 1st CAV. 1st Cavalry has some great history however, I admit that it was hard to watch them case the colors we've served under since we got here. We have been with 4th BCT, 4th ID since it stood up, Kevin being one of the first Soldiers in the Brigade. We have a lot of emotion invested in this Brigade...I truly believe our Soldiers have accomplished so much in just a little bit of time. There is a lot of legacy that was cased along with those colors.
It's so weird because I was really sad throughout the ceremony. The Army is all about change and so why was this so hard? I think it's because my heart is truly invested in this Brigade. I have made great friends, we have lost friends, I have had invested a lot of me into this and it was hard to close this chapter. I was also torn between the two units we have served with in this Brigade. Obviously my heart is still attached to the unit Kevin deployed with and it was a tough year but there were also many rewards. Today after the ceremony I went to the "old" unit and I remembered why I loved it there. Soldiers know me there, they give me hugs, they give me smiles...I love that. I love Soldiers...they make me happy...I love hearing them call cadence, I love seeing the ceremonies they participate in. I love the connection I've always had with Soldiers...they become my children.
After that I went to my "new" unit and let me tell you, the atmosphere is different. I don't know what it is. I do acknowledge that I probably have a wall up...something to protect me because I was hurt when Soldiers died and were wounded or when I felt I wasn't doing what I needed to for my families. I am not as invested in this new unit...I am coming around...I know it will happen...and perhaps that is why it's different. But we are approaching deployment soon and I feel the heart strings pulling me in...I know I will become attached.
I think it's time to close the chapter on the last deployment...to move forward...to bring in the new and I think our casing of our colors did that for me today...
It will take a bit of getting used to the new patch...the new Division but we'll be fine.
It's all about the moving forward and embracing new experiences...
Today was a bittersweet day. Today our Brigade reflagged to a new unit. We are no longer 4th ID, we have now joined the "First Team" under 1st CAV. 1st Cavalry has some great history however, I admit that it was hard to watch them case the colors we've served under since we got here. We have been with 4th BCT, 4th ID since it stood up, Kevin being one of the first Soldiers in the Brigade. We have a lot of emotion invested in this Brigade...I truly believe our Soldiers have accomplished so much in just a little bit of time. There is a lot of legacy that was cased along with those colors.
It's so weird because I was really sad throughout the ceremony. The Army is all about change and so why was this so hard? I think it's because my heart is truly invested in this Brigade. I have made great friends, we have lost friends, I have had invested a lot of me into this and it was hard to close this chapter. I was also torn between the two units we have served with in this Brigade. Obviously my heart is still attached to the unit Kevin deployed with and it was a tough year but there were also many rewards. Today after the ceremony I went to the "old" unit and I remembered why I loved it there. Soldiers know me there, they give me hugs, they give me smiles...I love that. I love Soldiers...they make me happy...I love hearing them call cadence, I love seeing the ceremonies they participate in. I love the connection I've always had with Soldiers...they become my children.
After that I went to my "new" unit and let me tell you, the atmosphere is different. I don't know what it is. I do acknowledge that I probably have a wall up...something to protect me because I was hurt when Soldiers died and were wounded or when I felt I wasn't doing what I needed to for my families. I am not as invested in this new unit...I am coming around...I know it will happen...and perhaps that is why it's different. But we are approaching deployment soon and I feel the heart strings pulling me in...I know I will become attached.
I think it's time to close the chapter on the last deployment...to move forward...to bring in the new and I think our casing of our colors did that for me today...
It will take a bit of getting used to the new patch...the new Division but we'll be fine.
It's all about the moving forward and embracing new experiences...
When slide.com wants to play nice I will share the slideshow...
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