Wreaths for Vets

This morning the boys and I had the privilege of laying wreaths at the graves of many of our Veterans. We joined many other volunteers (many from our battalion, some who even rode in the motorcycle ride prior to the laying of the wreaths) to honor those who have served. It was a cold, rainy morning but I am so proud of how the boys didn't complain. They wanted to lay as many wreaths as they could. We laid wreaths in honor of our fallen Soldiers from 8-10 Cavalry. And then we went out and laid wreaths among the graves. We got to meet a lot of people, mostly widows who wanted to tell us about their spouses. One of them had brought a chair and sat under an umbrella as she watched the activity around her. The spouse of the very first Soldier buried at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery was there honoring her husband. It was a humbling sight for sure. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor our veterans in this small way and feel blessed to have been able to share it with my boys. It so important for us to teach our children about those who have served and to teach them how to honor their legacies.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."
---George S. Patton, Jr.

Check out Wreaths for Vets for more information.

Some of the motorcycle riders.Michael laying a wreath.

Daniel laying a wreath.Neil laying a wreath.The boys with the wreaths they laid.Central Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial.
The marble monument that has SFC Bryant Herlem, SGT Jose Gomez, SGT Brandon Teeters, SGT Jeremy King and CPT James Funkhouser on it. Bryant is the pic in the middle in his stetson.I love this pic, I think Michael took it.

Did you see me on TV during the game?!?!

.....

No, you didn't. Tuesday we met as a Brigade to do a special shout out that would be aired during the Cowboys/Sea Hawks game. It took three takes and then they said it was great. It wasn't. When they aired it, they cutoff anyone who was on the fence (that they told us to sit on). Well wait, if you pay close attention, you can see my arm waving for a split second. The only consolation is that the girl who was on the fence in front of me got cut off completely which makes me happy since she kept holding up her big sign and blocking everyone behind her. Oh well, such effort for no reason. Not like it mattered much anyway since Kevin was snuggled in his bed when it would have aired over in Iraq anyway, lol. I am sad no one saw my cool shirt that I wore though...oh well..another time maybe!

Freedom Friday♥

Pretty Cute Video

I'm Thankful For...#7

I am so thankful for technology. When I think back to what the wives had to endure during earlier wars, I know I am truly blessed. Families that served in World War I and World War II went months and years without hearing from their Soldiers. And often when they did, most of the letters were censored with black markers. To be able to chat with Kevin as often as I do is truly a blessing. We get to chat on the phone (not as often as some but enough for me). We get to chat online quite often. We can do a voice chat and/or see each other on the web cams. It's not the same as seeing him in person but it's enough to tide me and the boys over for a while.I am grateful for email and how easy it is to stay connected with friends. It doesn't replace letters or phone calls but it's a handy way to stay in touch. I love being able to reconnect with old friends through the Internet, that is amazing in itself.

Being an overprotective mom, I am grateful for cell phones. I can stay in touch with the kids when I need to no matter where they are.

If it weren't for the great technology of the Internet I could not bore you on a regular basis with my many random blogging entries!!

Technology when used properly is a wonderful thing, use it for good people!!!

10:29 p.m. Do You Hear?

You don't hear anything? Listen closely....do you hear it?




Sweet Silence!!! The boys have passed out after a very long day!!!

9:17 p.m.

A second wind...they are having a burping contest. The joy of boys *sigh*.

8:59 p.m.

I think Michael and Neil are wearing out...

7:15 p.m.

Daniel has admitted defeat. He can't do it anymore, he has come downstairs to sit quietly on the couch. Michael and Neil continue to go strong.

6:38 p.m.

The boys are still going full force...still full of energy. I hear literal bouncing off the walls and lots of arguing and giggling, sometimes at the same time. I need to bottle up their energy and sell it.

Three Boys For Sale!!

The boys have been non-stop since they woke up this morning. Fighting, fighting, fighting. Well they have their moments like the lunch time conversation. I've had kids in the corner, I've spanked them, yanked privileges but yet, here we are at 5:13 p.m. and they are still going strong. One minute they are fighting, yelling, hitting one another. The very next they are wrestling and giggling (that really annoying giggling). Now someone is crying and no, I'm not rushing up to check on them because I'm sick of it. I've given them extra chores, I've sent them outside to burn their energy. Now, I'm just going to let them fight it out until they hurt each other seriously or they pass out from exhaustion. Grrrrrrr, there must be something in the air, a lot of my friends have complained about the same type of behavior from their kids. And I can't believe I have 4 1/2 more days before I can send them back to school!!

Lunch Time Conversation

I don't know what preceded this comment but I hear Daniel say

"yes...yes Kansas IS in America"

then again I don't hear what is said but I hear Neil say "So I was born in North Korea"
and Michael says..."No you weren't, you were born in South Korea" to which Neil replies "would it hurt you to just play along?"

Then Neil says "I was born in Asia"
and Daniels says, "no you weren't" and "I'm going to ask mom!!!"
and then Daniel says again "well I was born in Kansas which is in the United States of America"

Oh goodness, now they are triple dog daring each other to do things like lick each other's foot, I better go intervene!! Oh wait...they are daring themselves to do things like...well I don't know but I hear Daniel say "shimmy shimmy" and I can envision him swaying his hips a bit. I probably should go see what they are doing or at least observe, it could be quite entertaining!

I'm Thankful For....#6

I am thankful for friends. I don't use that term loosely so I'm going to add onto that my gratitude for my pals, buddies and acquaintances. They all bring something into my life. I have very few people in my life who I would call a close friend but those that fit into that realm will probably stay there forever. They are the ones who know pretty much everything about my life and then some. They are the ones I have to keep my friends forever because frankly, they know way too much!

I am blessed with opportunities to go out and meet new people all the time. I've made an effort to get to know more people, to invest in them, to learn more about them. My goal in this is for more people to see the person I am that a lot of people never bother to get to know. I also just like to get to know people. Despite all the things I'm involved in, I am not a social person. I don't need a ton of people around me to keep me happy and because of that I don't often make the effort to get to know people. I feel thankful that the Lord knows who I need in my life.

I've been blessed with nice cards in the mail, random stops with treats at our home. Sometimes I just get a message from someone letting me know that they are thinking of me. Regardless of where they fall in my life, I am thankful for the people the Lord places in my life for whatever reason.

I'm Thankful For...#5

I am thankful for the United Postal Service. (I'm not grateful for the constant rising postage rates). Today we received a package from Kevin. It's crazy how excited one can get over a box. I love how excited my kids get over the smallest trinkets, a baseball, a pencil all because it was sent with love. I am thankful for the handwritten letter. I had the opportunity to hear Jason F. Wright speak at Time Out For Women a few weeks back and it was nice to be reminded of how much a handwritten note can mean. I know every time the boys and I get letters or postcards from Kevin, we are overjoyed. I love being able to read over and over his words. I know he also gets joy from reading our letters and our words.

I am grateful for those who work in the the post offices here and those serving in the military mail rooms (I've worked in them, trust me it's hard work!!)

During this holiday season I look forward to reconnecting with friends through Christmas cards/letters. It will be fun to see what everyone is up to.

I'm signing off now, I'm off to write a letter to my love.

I Am Thankful For...#4

I am thankful for the Army. Army life has been good to us. First of all, it brought Kevin and I together. We met in the Army. It has also instilled a sense of pride in me I'm pretty sure I would not otherwise have. I wish I could say it disciplined me more, but really it didn't, if anything it made me more cynical and rebellious.

I love Army life, it suits me well, it has given me opportunities that I would not have otherwise had. I have met some of the most amazing people. I've also met some people I probably could have done without meeting in my life or could I? Every person that I meet does bring something into my life whether it's good or bad. The diversity of those you meet in military life is amazing.

Three of my best friends are people I met as a result of Army life and what would I do without them? I am grateful for the benefits, sometimes they could be better but overall when I reflect on the health issues I've had and my kids have had to deal with, the amount we have to pay (zero) is worth it and honestly we have been blessed with great care.

I am so thankful for the Soldiers and other service members who serve in the other military branches. I am grateful for their sacrifices and their desire to serve. We are an all volunteer military meaning everyone willingly joined and a good majority after 9/11 and after we headed over to Iraq.

I am thankful for my freedom and for those willing to defend it.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

You Are Pumpkin Pie

Even when people are full - they make room for you. Good or bad, your smell is most likely to arouse a man.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Coupons

I love my husband, he is always so thoughtful. Yesterday I received a letter from him...he is so endearing, I must quote his letter.

"I know it is cheesy but I got a newspaper in a box and it had some coupons in it so I thought you would use them."
(Ignore the pile of junk mail to be shredded)

Thanks baby! (Just a note, I'm terrible at using coupons, but I'll try hard since he sent them all the way from Iraq). This is much better than the box of food he sent us last deployment. I love you baby!

I'm Thankful For...#3

I am thankful for my Savior. I am grateful for His Sacrifice. I am blessed with the knowledge of knowing that He died for me and my sins. To know that He made it possible to repent and move forward and not live in self-hatred. I am thankful to know that I never have to feel alone that when I feel no one understands, He does. He has felt my pain, has heard and felt my sorrow and He willingly took that upon him. I am grateful for His gospel in my life and the ordinances that we have to bring us back to our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for my husband who also believes very strongly in the gospel and that we are working together to guide our children on His path.

I am blessed.

Daniel the Photographer

Daniel took it upon himself to have fun with the camera while I was taking a little nap on the couch. I went to download some pics and clear off my memory card and found all of these. Nothing was safe, so you will see all our movies, chess set, Sapper, Michael's booty (apparently he was horrified that Daniel snapped a pic of him bending over, LOL). He took 85 pics, lol, here are a...uhm..few of them. I had the pleasure of waking up to him snapping a pic, LOL

Competition Day

What a day! Our day started off at 0430 waking up and getting Neil ready to head off to his Robotics competition in Austin. They were to meet at the school by 0530 to get there by 0730. It was going to be a loooooong day for them. All their hard work paid off and they have advanced to the next round! YAY Clear Creek Cyber Tigers!!! I am so proud of these kids because they worked so hard and did so well!!! (Mr T, you better share some pics, preferably this year!!!)

Also going on today was a Chess Tournament that Daniel participated in. If you have not been to a Chess Tournament, let me tell you how INTENSE it can be. I usually let Kevin go on these adventures but obviously that couldn't happen, so I went after my Volleyball Tournament. Daniel had a great time and placed 4th, which isn't bad. It was not the best day as far as sportsmanship for a lot of players and parents because there was cheating and undermining happening but thankfully Daniel didn't really see much of that. It makes me really upset when parents go to such extremes as to signal their 1st graders on what move to make. If they can't play on their own they shouldn't be at the tournament. But enough about that unfortunate scene, because our Clear Creek Kings took 1st Place in the K-3 category...CHECK MATE!!!

I also took the time today to participate in our Stake Volleyball tournament. I was rather sluggish as I've been so tired running around but we still managed to place 2nd, so go K3!

Only Michael didn't participate in anything competitive today (he was supposed to be on a campout for Scouts but that got cancelled). Instead he hung out with Daniel at the chess tournament until I got back there. If you count nail biting as a competition Michael surely won because he was pretty high strung watching Daniel play, it was cute!

And even our beloved Soldier had a scoring event going on today. He had a PT test and I'm sure he rocked it! We love you baby!!

*Pics are from my camera phone so quality is not good*



Trying to figure out a move (the little girl he is playing came in 1st but Daniel gave her a good match, she didn't win it easily!)
I wish this picture was clearer, watching Michael was so funny, he was really into it but trying to keep control.
Making a move.1st Place Team...woohoo, go Kings!


Wore out, not even in the car for 5 minutes, lol
Neil knocked out after a very long day!!!Yeah, yeah, so it was a long day for mom too (thanks Daniel for the pic!!)

*Twilight*

So I was like many readers of these great books who hit the theaters last night. A couple months ago I was chatting it up with my friend "T" who is currently serving in Iraq with Kevin when we realized we both quite enjoyed the Twilight series. Since then we have anticipated the coming out of the movie. "T" hooked me up with her friend "L" and told me we should go to the movie together. I thought that we should figure out someway to take "T" with us. And so...we did. Thanks to "K" and "A" who amused us with our fun antics! "T", you enjoyed the movie!!


As far as what I thought of the movie, I was impressed. There were definitely some cheesy factors but I was very happy that they followed the book as close as they did. I look forward to the next movie!! And I hope to go see it with the real "T", live and in person!

Freedom Friday♥

An amazing video....reality for sure.

I'm Thankful For....#2

I am thankful for my children and their unique personalities. I think I'm like most parents who would say, "I love my children the same amount but in different ways." What does that mean, I'm not sure I could explain it. But I do believe it in my heart. I love each of my boys the same amount but in so many different ways.

I couldn't sit here and pinpoint all the things I love about my kids because 1. it would be way too long and 2. I'd worry I'd leave something out. But I do love my children and I am grateful for them in my life. I am blessed to have been trusted with these sweet spirits to lead and guide them and work to get them back to my Heavenly Father. I love their smiles, their giggles and even sometimes their anger (come on moms out there, you know there are times when your kids are mad, you have to stifle a giggle!)

I talk a lot about my kids on here so people already have read all the things I love about my kids, so I won't go on and on, but I will say, I am thankful for them. I didn't think I wanted kids and I'm so glad that the Lord knows better than I do. I couldn't imagine my life any other way than with peanut butter and jelly kisses, salty tears over scraped knees and crayon drawings.

I'm thankful for my beautiful boys.

♥We Won't Forget♥

♥God Bless Our Fallen Heroes and Their Familes.♥

I'm Thankful For....#1

So I was over hanging out at Renee's blog and saw that she had blogged about what she is thankful for. I thought I'd join in on that.

Thanksgiving is coming up (and yes, you might have overlooked that since you've had Halloween on your mind since June and Christmas being thrown at you since August) but next week is Thanksgiving. And I think this is a good time to reflect on things that we are grateful for, so throughout the next week I'll post about what I'm thankful for.

I am thankful for my sexy Soldier. The sexy aspect is the bonus to his kind heart and loving soul. He is the best provider for our family and for our nation. It takes a special kind of person to volunteer to give up their own luxuries and freedoms to provide those very things for others. I am thankful for the love his shows me in his actions and his words. He never speaks negative about me to his peers. I've received compliments from others in ways I'd never imagine. I've had people tell me that they want to get married because we make "married" look good. I attribute that to his unconditional love for me. I've had people tell me how lucky I am and how cute he is because of the way he speaks about me and they hope their husbands are half as sweet. I cannot put into words how that makes me feel. I am grateful for the tears that are flowing as the ache in my heart grows because I miss my Soldier. I am grateful for that ache because it's the physical aspect of my love for this man I call my husband. I am thankful for this man whom my kids call daddy. I am thankful for the heart memories I have of him with our boys, their giggles, their tears, their snoring and yelling. I love how he can have a weapon slung on his back and still fix a hurt knee with the softest touch. I am thankful for Kevin, I love you baby, I don't deserve you but I'll keep you!

299

Fiiiiinnnnnnnnnaaaaaalllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are under the 300 day mark until Kevin returns home to us!!!

Check out this pic below, isn't it a great pic...those kids are gorgeous (and so is the Soldier with them!)

Airhead

I'm not even sure if I can convey into words how funny this situation was yesterday, but I'll try!

I'm at our church giving some programs to the missionaries for a baptism they were having. I was chatting with them when the family came in. I started to talk to the mom and noticed the kids were all in blue polo shirts and khakis.

The conversation goes like this...

Me: , "oh what school do your kids go to?".

Sister E: "Clear Creek"

Me: "Oh? Is that on post?" (inside thinking, where have I heard that and I wonder where that is...)

Sister E: "yes"

Me: "Where do you live?" (asking this so I can figure out where Clear Creek is because I can't quite place where this school is)

Sister E: "Kouma"

Me: "Oh my goodness, I feel sooooooooo dumb! My kids go to Clear Creek!" (yeah, I'm feeling pretty dumb at this point)

Poor Brother E. was looking at me pretty weird considering I had seen him at the school a mere two hours earlier, lol.

Let's just say it was one of them days. The night continued on much like that moment, as I was late to a meeting I thought I was getting to early...when I walked in, I was informed that I was not 10 minutes early but 20 minutes late and it was already over! I probably should have stayed in bed yesterday.

Lessons Learned During a Dinner Out with My Boys

Last night I treated the boys to dinner at the Cracker Barrel. Cracker Barrel is Michael's absolute favorite restaurant! We had some great food and a great time just chatting. I had a great time just observing my kids. As I was watching them, I thought about the lessons we can learn from our kids.

As we were walking into the restaurant, there was a group of people following behind us. I was telling the host how many we needed a table for when I looked and couldn't find Michael. He was standing holding the door as more and more people came in. Later as we were waiting for our food, we started to see flashes of light from a camera coming from behind us. The ladies behind us were trying to take their own picture. Michael quickly jumped up and asked them if they would like for him to take a picture for them. As we were leaving, a lady had done some Christmas shopping and had many packages. Michael could see her struggling and asked her if she would like him to help her carry her bags to her car. Michael has taught me courtesy.

When we were ordering our food, the boys were having a problem trying to decide what they wanted. The waiter was kind of lingering at our table despite having been told we needed a few minutes. Neil finally looked up and said very nicely but firmly, "would you please come back in 5 minutes?" Throughout our meal, our waiter would forget about us and many times, Neil would say loudly but firmly, "excuse me, my mom needs more drink" or " Can we please get our apple butter" and at one point, "my brother really needs a new fork". He always followed up with a please or thank you. Neil has taught me polite assertivenesss.

Daniel ordered a big meal that had the waiter raising his eyebrows. As he was eating, he noticed Neil had already finished up his food and was looking around. He asked him if he wanted some of his stuff. He saw that Neil was hesitant and went ahead and gave him portions of his food. Daniel also offered Michael some food and offered me a taste of his drink. This is a common act during dinner or anytime really. Daniel has taught me sharing.

I love spending time with my kids and observing their actions. There are many times when I am so frustrated with the bickering and yelling but more often than not these are the images that are painted with their actions. The stifled giggles and sneaky tricks to snatch a crumb off the other's plates. The conversations of "oh hey, did you see or did you know" and the responses of "wow, that's cool and you're so lucky". I only pray that as they grow older they continue to learn from each other and keep the bond of brotherhood that they currently share.

Pedi Paws

I'm not usually a sucker for infomercials...I mean sometimes I'm terribly tempted but for the most part, I'm good about thinking something is cool and moving on. But I've seen the Pedi Paws a few times and have been so tempted to buy one to take care of Sapper's nails. Finally yesterday while at Walgreens (I LOVE that store), I caved and bought one. I cannot stand to cut my own kid's nails so you can imagine how much I enjoy trying to cut my dog's. Well let me tell you, this is definitely one of my favorite purchases!! It was so easy and she was not bothered at all! We did have to bribe her with treats at first but after that she was great. I will add this to my favorite things list for sure!!

What does it mean to be a Veteran?

CLICK HERE or HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page to see what Neil's answer is. He was in our post newspaper. (should have taken in for a haircut before but oh well, lol)

A Wilbur Moment

Yesterday at the younger boy's school they had their "fall" parties. I was the VERY nice mom who made brownies at 6:30 a.m. because a certain little boy (Neil) forgot to mention that was what he was asked to bring. Daniel, who had been sick suddenly had a miraculous recovery and was able to take in the bag of candy he was required to take...thank you Halloween!! Anyway, when Neil got home from school, I asked him if he had any leftovers from his party and he said, "yup, want some?" The pic below is what he offered me. I suddenly had thoughts of feeding times in "Charlotte's Web". Maybe I'll send out a prize if someone can name every single item in that container!

Donut of Misery 15 Nov 08

We are making progress...instead of "you have a long, long, long time to go" we are now at "Are We There Yet?"...that's encouraging, right?

The Joy of Webcams

Ok, so I am so blessed to be able to chat with my love online since he pays an outrageous amount for this luxury. Sometimes it's a bit annoying that during my limited time to chat with my love, we get interrupted by people stopping by his room. The other day we were chatting and he had his webcam on. Where he sits is right in front of his door so there I am chatting and suddenly the door pops open. It's kind of funny since we weren't voice chatting, just typing to one another to see the door fly open and a Soldier standing there. I asked him, holy cow, do they just whip open the door, what if you were naked!?!?! He laughs (well does the whole LOL) at me and tells me that they knock (well how am I supposed to know that?) So after waiting patiently while 1SG goes on and on and I'm just watching and creating my own dialogue for what they might be saying, I decide that if he is going to interrupt our chat time, I will punish him by putting him on our blog.Don't they look like they are having an interesting conversation, they aren't even looking at each other!

So finally he leaves and we resume our chat. Not even 5 minutes later, the door whips open again!! This time it's one of his Soldiers. Grrr...they stay engaged in a conversation for a good while and I'm just sitting here kind of doing my own thing. I decide to do a couple more screenshots!I imagine that SGT S. is telling my husband how sorry he is to interrupt his very important conversation he is having with his wife.Here, I am imagining that Kevin is saying, I'm going to countdown from 5 and you better let me get back to my beautiful wife!! (Or maybe he's trying out a new Spiderman impression?)

Anyway, it's part of the life and we'll live with it, I just find it funny. Webcams can be so entertaining, I'd rather be interrupted with images like this versus the one day Kev's roommate didn't realize we were chatting and started an impromptu strip tease right in front of me!!

A Very Special Give-Away

No, not me, I don't have anything spectacular to give away (unless someone is willing to take my kids for a little while, not permanently, I would want them back!)

But seriously, one of my favorite bloggers is doing a give-away and it's pretty awesome. Check out the give-away rules here and to see what she is giving away, click here.

Pretty cool!

Veteran's Day 2008

I've contemplated what I wanted to write today. I wanted to write something meaningful. I want to make sure that I honored the service that our Veterans have graciously provided. I was reflecting back to my time in the Army. All the years that I was in, I didn't get asked to do anything like our Soldiers today are asked to do and I didn't do anything that those who served prior to my signing the contract were asked to do. I served with pride and I am proud of the time I wore the uniform. The one assignment that I had that made me think that our military was great was the 2 1/2 years we spent in Korea. It was an interesting time for sure. I know there are many who get sent to Korea who greatly dislike it there. I am glad that I had the opportunity to venture outside the gated communities and explore the country itself. Where we were stationed was a more rural area, it was an older setting. As we went to the markets and other places within the city, we ran into an older generation. The generation that remembered the actual war. The interesting thing about Korea is that it is still technically at war so when you are stationed there you are considered "forward deployed". It's not considered a deployment like a rotation to Iraq or Afghanistan but it is a "combat zone" so to speak. There many times that Kevin and I were stopped by some of the older Koreans who shared a smile or even some fruit or vegetables from their baskets. They remembered what is was like when war broke out into their country. They remembered family members going out to shop for food and never coming home because while they were out, Korea was divided. They remembered and they were thankful for the American presence soon after that. I remember touring the DMZ before coming home and standing there looking into North Korea. It didn't look so different, the North Korean Soldiers didn't look any different that the KATUSA's that worked with us did. It was a humbling experience to say the least. As I was standing there, I remember being grateful for those who had served before me and the sacrifices they had made. My tour in Korea wasn't rough by any means, I had it pretty good, but I was blessed with the opportunity to reflect back and think about the many Service members who had served almost 50 years before me, the ones that older generation remembered. Many served in the Korean War, known as the Forgotten War, to the Veterans who served in that conflict, I haven't forgotten and I thank you for your service.

Yesterday as I attended the different events at my kid's school and listened to the stories and questions and comments, I was overwhelmed with pride. We have teachers who served, we have parents who serve and have served. I am so proud to be an American and to have worn the uniform that so many great warriors have worn before me and the many still to come.

I have many friends who have served and I am grateful for their service. To my Lisa, it is I who am honored to have served with you in Korea. I was proud when you went to Iraq and though I missed you, I know you served with honor. I have always admired the great Soldier you were. To LaNita, I joke with you that you weren't a real Soldier, but you were and you are. You continue to serve in a way that many do not understand. To my husband, there are not words enough to say the pride I have when I call myself a Soldier's wife. Why? Because that Soldier is you and you are a Soldier's Soldier. I fear that the many who serve with you do not see the blessing that it is to have you as their leader. I admit to being biased in that opinion but I know your heart and if they saw that, they would understand my words.

As I conclude this entry, and the tears form in my eyes, I must honor those who have paid the Ultimate Price. The many who have served with honor and didn't come home. There truly are no words in which to honor these great men and women. Thank you to their families and to them isn't enough. But I can honor them by not forgetting and by teaching my children the importance of their sacrifices. Their legacy will live on forever because we know that the future is nothing without knowledge of the past.

We will never forget our fallen warriors ♥SFC Bryant Herlem, SGT Jose Gomez, SGT Brandon Teeters, SGT Jeremy King, CPT James Funkhouser, SSG Bryant Mackey, SPC Geoffrey Johnson♥ Forever in our hearts.

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."

"What is the Best Part of Your Day?"

This question is part of our daily routine. We always try to focus on the positive things that happen in our days. Even though we all have trying days this is a good way to remember the little things. Some days it's hard for the kids to come up with one but the rule is they have to think of something, even if it's just that they had a good lunch. That is one they can only use if they absolutely cannot think of anything else (and really, that's not saying much because our school lunches are kinda icky!)

Anyway, tonight over dinner I threw out this question to the boys. They were so cute. Michael replied that Science or Language Arts was his fave part of his day but he couldn't tell me why, he just had fun in those classes. (I think it might have to do with the fact that his best friend is in the class with him and likes to write on his hand).

Neil said all day was his favorite because he got to meet a lot of people that served. He also got to do a VTC with another school that has no military affiliation and got to answer questions about what it is like being a military child. He also said it was cool that CSM Ciotola gave him a coin and that they have the same first name.

Daniel said his favorite part was when the three "old" Soldiers (they were all Vietnam and Korean War vets) came into his class and told them stories. He said he liked the one who had the same patch that his daddy wore. And he liked the one who told the story about his own daddy coming home from war and running and hugging him. Daniel said he told the "old" Soldiers that he ran into his daddy's arms too when he got home.

My favorite part of the day was picking them up, going to dinner, walking through Walgreen's, being silly in the car, singing crazy songs, kissing them in public, swatting them in the behind with a flyswatter, watching them press every single "try me" button on the toys in the store and being their mommy! All that equals to the precious few minutes I got to chat with Kevin on the computer.

Yes, the best part of the day is loving my family!♥

I had to take a pic of Michael and I since I got a pic of the other two boys with me earlier. (gosh I look tired, lol)The boys hanging out with the Colonel!

My Love♥A camel in Iraq that Kevin said could have eaten him if it had wanted to, lol

Take a Vet to School 2008

Wow, let's see if I can convey the many emotions that I have felt today. I am so grateful that our school takes pride in Veteran's Day and honors those who have served and are currently serving. Today was Take a Vet to School Day. Students were invited to bring anyone who may have served or who are serving with them for a day full of events honoring our Veterans. I had the honor of escorting CSM Neil Ciotola, our III Corps and Fort Hood Command Sergeant Major. He was gracious enough to come and talk to a total of six classes. Four classes were combined so he went into four different classrooms. He was FANTASTIC, the kids opened right up to him and he was sincere and so real with them. He often got down on one knee as he talked to the students, showing that they were important and he cared about what they had to say. I know the things he was sharing with them touched my heart and I know the comments touched theirs as well. The kids asked funny questions and serious questions and he had an answer for each of them. He shook each of their hands making them feel important. He had everyone laughing and a few crying (good tears). I cannot express how blessed I felt today being able to escort this wonderful Soldier around. CSM Ciotola, thank you for your time and sincerity, you made the day memorable for many of our Silent Warriors today, words are not enough.

After our visits to the classroom, I got to have lunch with my boys. We were treated to a hot dog lunch in a paper bag decorated by the students saying thank you to our Vets. It's times like this I miss Kevin so much, he has never been home to participate in one of these (but he is always being honored). I also missed Michael, it's hard when one kid moves on and your kids are separated.

This afternoon the 5th graders performed songs they had written. Each had a similar theme, they talked about Freedom, Soldiers and our nation. They wrote their own lyrics, I was very touched. I became brave enough to glance around and saw many a Soldier in the audience with tears in their eyes (there is nothing that will make me cry faster than that view). We also had 5th grade students who did some "storytelling". They wrote their own stories about what life is like as a Military Child. They talked about the constant moving, having to say goodbye to their loved ones, friendship and loneliness. One that caused tears in my eyes was about a girl who's father deployed, got injured and is now serving again. All of them spoke with pride and conviction, we could certainly learn from their examples.

It was a wonderful day full of honor and pride. I am so proud of the students who attend CCE and serve honorably. They thanked those who came in and spoke to them (Daniel told me two "old" Soldiers talked to him and he was proud to tell one of them that his daddy wore the same 1st CAV patch that was on his hat!). I want to say that I think we owe gratitude to these amazing Silent Warriors in their service of supporting their Soldiers with pride and honor. So to all serving, those in uniform and those who love the one in uniform, thank you!