Pretty Flowers

I took this photo when I went to a local garden and loved it, so I thought I'd share. I altered it a little playing around in photoshop because I wanted to put it on my other blog, but didn't want those who only visit this one to miss out!

Quote of the week, No. 1

I have decided to do a quote of the week. I will probably do them on Friday, but I was a little excited about the idea, so this week's will start today, on a Wednesday. (Just wanted to throw everyone off before I get started.) I love using quotes and facts in my news articles (when I can) so I thought ... "Here is a forum where I have the say in what is published!" So who knows, maybe they'll reflect my mood of the day, the events going on around me or just a random phrase that has caught my eye. Who knows ... I'll be as surprised as everyone else.

This weeks is in reflection of the holiday season when we wish for peace on earth ...

The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.

General Douglas MacArthur

Thank you for your service ...

I got this email yesterday that brought tears to my eyes and then this morning it was posted on a military support group web site I am a member of, so I took it as a sign that I too should pass it on.
This one is for you Greg and Brian as you prepare to return home to families anxious to hold you in their arms once again.

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long, uneventful flight home.

With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on my issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together.

I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony.

With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan. She resumed
speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than five minutes.

The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that I was finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up ... Just get their butts in a seat and let's hit the gas I thought.

The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home from Iraq !!!

Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, I was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand. These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the
American way of life. I took for granted that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed, I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our heroes were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.

The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms.

I felt proud of them. I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say "Thank you for a job well done."

I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

WELCOME HOME! AND THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!

Author Unknown

Fort Polk Fire & Emergency Services: Beyond the Lights & Sirens

This was an article that I especially enjoyed working on because I was a volunteer along with my brother in college. He continues to work in emergency services, something that he has always loved. The firefighters and emergency personnel here at Fort Polk are exceptionally accepting of me and my hundreds of questions. Keep p the good work guys!

-- Published Article (11.11.05) --

Fort Polk firefighters are dedicated to making sure the community they serve is safe through fire and safety education. They have seen first-hand the devastation caused by fires and many have experienced unique once-in-a-lifetime tragedies that have helped shape and mold their dedication.

In the early morning hours of April 19, 1995, Fort Polk firefighter Robert Nord, then a firefighter at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., awoke, feeling sick.

He called into work to let them know he would not be in, then took some medicine and went back to bed with hopes of sleeping off the illness.

A few hours later he was stirred from his sleep by the ringing of the telephone and a message left by his mother, in Kansas, asking how he was doing.

“It was a strange message because I had just spoken with her the day before,” he recalled.

He said he dismissed it and went back to sleep unaware of the events unfolding in nearby Oklahoma City.

Earlier that day, at 9:02 a.m., a massive explosion ripped through the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, destroying the north side of the structure.

It was later determined that 168 people were killed that day, including 19 children attending day care in the building.

“I got up later and turned on the (television) and they were showing the bombing, but I couldn't make out where it was,” he said. “I couldn't make out any of the (emergency service) department (logos) on the jackets.”

Nord soon learned that his fire district was involved in search and rescue efforts.

“I got on the phone and called my station chief. I said ‘Look I don't feel good, but I am not that sick,'” he said, aware that manpower was essential for recovery efforts.

“He told me to stay home, but (report in) tomorrow to help. When I went in the next morning they had recalled everyone in the unit plus an Air National Guard unit and National Reserve unit to (assist).”

Nord said there were about 100 firefighters and workers sleeping at the fire station which usually accommodated 15.

“There were guys sleeping on the trucks, in the bays, on the floor, wherever they could find room,” he added.

Although he reported to work the day after the bombing, it was not until the third day that he was sent to the site.

Nord said he didn't recognize the site when he first arrived. “It doesn't look that big on (television), but when you got down there it was (overwhelming).”

He said at one point while he and other workers were waiting to go to the basement they began talking to some of the FBI agents next to a cordoned-off area.

“They were on their hands and knees and I asked them what they were doing as they picked up little pieces of metal,” Nord said.

“We're picking up pieces of the truck (that contained the bomb),'” they said.

“We started looking around and picking up pieces, there were 10 or 15 of us and we all had handfuls, and we just handed them to the FBI agents,” Nord said. “It was unbelievable.”

He said the events of that day brought together those who were a part of the recovery.

“There was a honeymoon phase, where you came together, even with people you didn't get along with before,” he added.

He said after leaving the site each day, workers were required to undergo a stress debriefing to help deal with what they had seen. He recalled the fears and tears following the end of a shift, especially for those who worked on the day care center area and had to deal with the task of removing the bodies of children.

Six years earlier, Fort Polk firefighter Joe Percival experienced a similar high-stress incident when an explosion ripped through the No. 2 turret on the USS Iowa on April 19, 1989, killing 47 crew members.

“I was in turret No. 1 when I heard an explosion,” Percival explained. “We thought we had fired the gun (in turret No. 1), and our turret was on fire.”

Percival was an electrician and member of the fire party on the USS Iowa.

“We started fighting the fire and the order was given to flood the turret. After that it was just salvage and overhaul for the rest of the day,” he added.

“We tried to get as many of the bodies out that we could,” Percival said, adding that he doesn't remember many of the details of that day.

“I was in shock, I couldn't believe what had happened,” he said recalling the fire and lives lost that day. “We were all scared because a gun had just blown up.”

He said it was especially hard for him to learn that electrician's mate, Fireman Apprentice Dwayne Battle, who he had worked with on a daily basis, was one of the fatalities.

“Many of our firefighters have unique stories (such as these),” said Chief Michael Kuk, Fort Polk Fire and Emergency Services. Kuk is a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran firefighter who has collected his share of emergency encounters.

Kuk said it is important for those in the fire and emergency service field to learn from each other's experiences because it helps build trust and understanding.

Fort Polk firefighters face unique situations through their work on a military installation. Aside from normal emergency calls such as auto accidents, medical emergencies and house fires, Fort Polk firefighters are faced with the possibility of training accidents, hazardous material spills and joint unit operations such as working with the Joint Readiness Training Center Flight Detachment.

For these firefighters, the life behind the lights and sirens is not always glamorous. The safety of Fort Polk and the lives of residents often rest in the hands of these skilled technicians.

“For most of these firefighters it is a passion and love for the community, not the glory, that keeps them here,” said Kuk.

Good to have him home

Well George came in at about 10:10 p.m. last night. I heard a knock at the door and there he was. Another officer in the battalion (I think the one who lives on our street) brought him home. It was a great surprise. He was quite hungry so after pulling his stuff into the garage and taking a shower I heated u some leftovers and he ate while he talked to his dad.

Sgt. Major was happy to have him home again. His little curly pig-tail was wagging up a storm and he actually let George and I hug each other (George taught him this "Don't touch my momma" game in an effort to protect me while he is gone, but it backfired a little and George is included in the "don't touch!")

We got to bed pretty late after George and the puppy played and George got in some TV time, so we have been "!0 more minutes"-ing this morning, but I think I just heard him get up. He doesn't have to be in until 9 a.m.

Oh, before I go get ready for work ... I got a "welcome home" balloon yesterday and Sgt. Major growled and barked at it all day. It was quite amusing because when I brought it down to his level he kept trying to attack it ... "Good boy, don't let that scary balloon get the momma!"

Good day...

Greetings all. Today is a good day. George will return home over the next few days, I am feverishly trying to get the house clean, do homework and prepare for the fast-approaching holidays.

I am taking a break from house cleaning to watch some forensic-history shows on the History Channel (which I love.) Sgt. Major sleeps at my feet, snoring like a freight train as I write.

I got the certificates for winning at the post level in some categories at the Army photo contests. They are pretty good looking, I actually might hang them up. I thought they would be something printed off a computer, but ... hats off to MWR. Next the photos will go to FORSCOM and then Army-wide, but they say it could take a while to get the results. I'm not expecting much, just happy to have gotten what I did.

In other news I'm glad the work week is over. It has been a tough one, but I won't go into it because I am trying to forget.

Update ... since draft written Nov. 19 (I forgot to post):

I talked to him today. That's right I heard to voice of an angel ... or at least the man of my dreams. I spoke with George nearly five hours ago and he said he had returned to the Battalion (as had many of the other Soldiers) and they had to unload the trucks, get equipment cleaned and various other tasks then he would call me to come pick him up. Did I mention that it was 4 hours and 30 minutes ago? Its all I can do not to go down there, but as an officer's wife I must set an example.

I spoke with another OS (officer's spouse) who said she had called some of the spouses in her husband's company to tell them that it would be after dinner before they were released and they said they were already down there talking with their husbands ... now for some of you other military wives you could get offended or back me up on my next few minutes of ranting.

I HATE it when spouses do that. The Soldiers go hang out in the parking lot with their spouses and families continually having to be called back to finish the task at hand will the other spouses sit at home waiting for ALL of the Soldiers in the company to be complete so our husbands can come home to us and a very cold supper.

That's right ... our husbands, being in leadership, must wait until all the equipment and weapons are accounted for, ensure that the vehicles are properly stowed away and make sure the Soldiers get home to their families safely, then complete the task that they have to do before they can come home to us. Meaning ... while you are hugging on your husband and muttering about COs who keep calling them back to work, I am sitting at home watching old reruns, hoping my husband gets home before I have to go to work tomorrow.

Our kids (actually my puppy, but those with children waiting for daddy/mommy to return) are just as anxious to see their parent/Soldier as you are, but following the rule of etiquette, are sitting at home asking, "When is daddy/mommy gonna get here?"

So as youngsters sleepily sit on the sofa fighting the Sandman, in hopes of seeing their dad/mom before they have to go to school, others are in the parking lots keeping the Soldier's from the tasks at hand.

So here is what I have to say ... "JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE BACK AT THE UNIT DOES NOT MEAN THEIR JOB IS DONE AND IT IS PLAY TIME! THEY ARE NOT DONE UNTIL THE COMMANDER RELEASES THEM."

Do you who sit in the parking lots distracting Soldiers realize that you are delaying others from seeing their families? Do you care?

All I am saying is let my husband (and Nikki's husband and Ashley's husband and Nicholas and Molly's dad) come home at a reasonable time. As leadership they are responsible for each Soldier in their care, but that does not mean that they want to sit up at the unit waiting for "Soldier Sam" to be found because he wandered off and hasn't completed his tasks.

O.k. I'm done venting and yet I still haven't gotten a call. Maybe I'll watch some more reruns ... I have only seen "Friends" like 1,000 times!

Pet Perks ...

I got the following from a fellow military family member, Emily, on the Yahoo! Blue Star Family and Friends Group. I absolutely LOVE it!

Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it
becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when hey sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom.
If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt I cannot stress this enough!
To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:
Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture (That's why they call it "fur"niture).
3. I like my pets a lot better than most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. Dogs and cats are better than kids ...they eat less, don't ask for money all the time are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hangout with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about having to buy the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, and don't need a gazillion dollars for college - and if they get pregnant, you can sell the children.

Another day in the trenches ...

Greetings all,

Nothing much going on today. Most everyone has a four-day weekend due to Veteran's Day, but I came into the office, just to have something to do. I have been working on Christmas crafts the past three days and am quite excited to pass them along to family and friends, but am no where near being finished.

I also tried to do some reading for class, but the text is difficult. The class is early military history and all the books are translated in Old English (?) format, so it's like half my brain is reading and the other half is trying to decipher. Very exhausting. The next class I think will start in on American military history, so if I can just get through this one, it'll be some sailing.

I got another e-mail from George and he said all is well. It's a little easier knowing that he'll be home on Sunday (God willing), but then he has to go back after the Thanksgiving break. We are really just trying to spend what time we can together, because there will be no holiday breaks next year.

I know it's a little unusual for the holiday breaks, but being a new unit they are fighting with trying to get all of the necessary training in and keeping up moral for the Soldiers and families. I was prepared for the deployment, but no so much all of this pre-deployment separation. Oh, well ... that's the life.

Puppy's finally coming out of the "acting out" part of George's departure, but when he returns he'll revert – just to see how far he can go without getting punished. Testy little bugger! Other than that my days pretty much roll forward in the same pattern.

I did get to spend time with Nikki and Ashley. We went Alexandria for some shopping. There was a lot of baby talk as they are both expecting and we all agree that as long as I'm not pregnant, then the three adults to two babies ratio should work out during the deployment. Sure there's a few hours of free child care each month, but what new mom really wants to hand over her newborn. So I will play "auntie." Not a bad role as I can take them home. Decorating for Ashley's baby room has begun as she is due in four weeks and Nikki has started making decisions, but she has a few more months before her bundle of joy arrives. We are all anxious to see what she is having ... few more weeks.

I also spend time with Jenn and the kids. We talked about our carefree college days and wondered when we got so old (we ask for things like bookshelves and vacuum cleaners for Christmas!) It's exciting to know Brian will be home soon.

Well I guess that's it, my life in a nutshell. I like to keep busy, I think it helps ... although there were numerous times that I wished I didn't have to work. Mainly just so I could work on crafts more and still have time for school. In the end the crafts suffer, but I guess we can't have it all!

Keep them in your hearts!

I'm not a very religious person, but this Bible verse always makes me think of the brave men and women who willing heed their country's call.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

"You don't have to love the cause, just the Soldier."

Editor's note: I first published this Oct. 31, 2005, but thought it appropiate for today.

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans Day to all the service members and their families. I know that holidays are especially hard for us as we are separated from our loved ones, but in knowing that we are part of making America what she is today is a comfort in times of sadness.

To my friends and family who have or are serving I want to say "Thank you!" America's Armed Forces are living proof that uniting in the cause for freedom and peace is the noblest of all causes.

To my friends here on the web, Love My Tanker, Greg, Kelly's Effeminate Angel, and all the rest, you'll never know how the support and kindness of strangers has helped me and will continue to help me through each day.

Last on the list, but first in my heart, to my husband, you'll never know how much you’re dedication and sacrifice inspires me. I wish I could find the words to express how honored I am that you chose me as you partner in life. I love and miss you so much.

My love to all ... here is a tribute that I got from a friend in the Blue Star Family and Friends group. Veterans Tribute

The results are in ...

The results of the post-wide Arts and Crafts photography contest are in and I placed in a few categories. Here they are:

First Place (Black and White) Experimental Process: American Cowboy
Second Place (Black and White) Experimental Process: Double Negative

First Place (Color) Place: Waterfall

First Place (Color) Experimental Process: Untitled No. 1 (hand colored)

Second Place (Color) Object: Rose
Honorable Mention (Color) Object: Bench

So not to pat myself on the back but ... Yeah Me! O.k. I'm going to try to e-mail the results to George now (he e-mailed last night - another yeah!)

Anyway here are a few of the photos (I don't have copies of the experimental process digitally)

Something is seriously wrong here!

This web site was brought to my attention by a fellow blogger and American Soldiers Greg. I can't believe the callousness, hatred and hypocracy of this so-called church. I have seen advertisments for people to picked at the funerals of American service members (in forums that sent it as a call for SUPPORT for the troops) and am appalled and ashamed that they call themselves Americans.

I refuse to further their hypocracy and hate by posting excerpts of thier words of hatred but if you'd like to see ignorance in full bloom visit this web site.

People have asked me before what I say to people who are against the military and essentially my husband and I have but one response ...

"If you are so against the military them maybe you should boycott the freedoms that they sacrifice so much for ... starting with the freedom of speech."

Pic of Sgt. Major

Sgt. Major found a stick the other day that he wanted to play with and brought it into the house. I glad I didn't see him walking past all my breakable figurines and porcelain dolls with that thing.

Doing o.k!

Things are good today. I saw an old friend, SFC Coker, when I went to the doctor today (don't worry just a check up).

I guess you really would call him an "old" friend, because he's not that old and I've only known him for about 18 months. I interviewed him for an article when I first got here and we became fast friends. I find him quite amusing and I know that if I ever need help he'd be there.

Sad news though is that he is deploying soon too. I'll miss him even though the last few months we have both been busy so we only see each other in passing. I think my husband was a little relieved because Coker is an MP and has been her from more than 12 years, so when he's gone he knows that between Mike (our neighbor) and him. I think he's a little relieved that Brian (a friend from college, stationed here too) will be back soon so I'll have help when he is deployed.

Last night we had a steering committee meeting and with the early doctor's appointment I'm really tired but (and don't think I'm crazy), I have a lot to do at work today and that's always good. Busy is the key. This weekend Sgt. Major found a stick that he just "had to have" regardless of the fact that it was like 6 feet long. So I'll post a pic of that after this. He's a scrappy little guy and found a way to get it in the house.

After our meeting last night I came home to find Sgt. Major had found a bag with some boxed figurines in it. He promptly chewed up the boxes and shredded the foam inside, but the figurines were untouched. I guess he just wanted me to know he was mad that I had come home late, but wasn't willing to risk getting into too much trouble. I found him in the kennel when I can home. Seriously, how do you punish a dog who punishes himself. He has this "I don't mind doing time" attitude that is funny if you are not mad.

He was pretty funny last night, I watched some TV in bed before going to sleep. I was laying on my side and he was sitting behind me with his head on my hip watching TV too and fell asleep. The he got aggravated when I tried to move and started pushing on my back with all four feet ... I guess he thought he needed more room.

Other that that I'm just counting the days until George comes home. Hopefully I will have a chance to get some homework done, but I am just way to tired at night and only want to relax on the weekends. Lunch is over –– back to work!

Craft Corner: One wish ...

If I had one wish (in regards to crafting) I would wish for a week of paid (but not counted) vacation from work ... better yet I think crafters should automatically get one week between Thanksgiving and Christmas to do holiday projects. I think if you add up all the "smoke breaks" everyone in my office takes (I am one of two non-smokers) that should cover it! Just wishful thinking I guess.

Another day closer ...

Things are settling into a normal pace around here. Sgt. Major is getting into the groove as well ... in other words he's finding out he is can't go to daddy when he gets in trouble.

There have been a few times that I get mad at him because of something, then I feel guilty. Like yesterday when I went to make a bagel with cream cheese. After toasting the bagel I pulled the cream cheese container out of the fridge and it was empty. I wasn't mad persay, just aggravated. Had I known I would have put it on the grocery list. Then I felt bad for being mad at him.

The hard part is not being able to talk to him or even send him letters. They had a drop box for letters when they were at Chaffee and even though they couldn't write back, we could send letters and cards. There's so much that I want to say, but have to keep notes or send emails that he can't get until he gets back.

Like yesterday I took Sgt. Major to the new park by the house. He had so much fun watching the kids play and exploring the woods around the park.

The other day I got a call from Alexandria (VA) from the Army Community Service or something about some photos that I entered in a contest. I haven't been able to get in touch with them, but I hope that means that at least I won at the post level, but they haven't posted the results.

I think the hardest part is not having someone to bounce ideas off of. I mean I love the friends that I have here, especially Jenn whom I went to college with. She brought her two children to my church's fall festival Saturday and we had a fun time.

Anyway, I guess I'll get back to doing laundry ... I kinda like this whole blog thing ... it gives me a chance to vent and a place for others who have "been there/done that" to offer advice on how they made it better or at least just say "I understand."

Craft Corner: Patriotic Ornament

This is the Christmas ornament I am making this year for the About.com ornament exchange. I tried my hand at something new. Each one will be a little different as some of the others I am exchanging with are military family members. I am trying to figure out how to put the names of their service member(s) on them. I'll take pictures of the individual ornaments with the names if the family members don't mind. Check back later this month, I should have them complete.

Craft Corner: Santa Claus is coming ...

Christmas is around the corner and Santa Clause is coming ... Really!

I have been working on a set of four "Roly Poly Santas" that I started last year from the Better Homes and Garden's Cross-Stitch Christmas magazine. This year, my goal is complete a lot of unfinished projects. They are really adorable and I think I may do all five in the future (after all my UFO list is shorter) on dish towels.

I am also trying to finish a pattern my mom wanted done of an Easter Bunny and Egg, but my heart is just not in it. It is by no means a hard project, I just got talked into doing it and have been slowly pecking at it for five years this Easter.

I don't actually have anything in my house complete because I always give them away when people ask me to make them one. (I don't have many stitching friends, so no one ever asks for the pattern.)

But I am going to put my foot down (or at least that project I was going to give away!) This year, while my husband is deployed will be all about me. Stuff for the house, things that I like ... yep, while he is gone I will be unabashedly selfish.

Sounds like it'll be a fun year, let see if I can do it!

Deployment test begins

George left today for a "mission rehearsal exercise" which essentially puts the Soldiers in a "real-life" training situation. The program is the Joint Readiness Training Center, here at Fort Polk. Every few weeks we see a new unit come in. They stay in the North Fort cantonment area, where there are barracks. Its kind of neat to see the place. "The Box", as they call it, has small villages build throughout it, where role-players actually speak the various languages.

I think its a little harder for me now, knowing that George is less than three miles from our home but won't be there at night. In April the brigade sent three or four battalions to Fort Chaffee, Ark. for the same type of training there. It wasn't so hard then because he had his cell phone and called me at night, or the very least every few days.

You're probably thing, "what is she so worried for, its just a training mission," but if you knew the battalion's history, you would see that we've had a bit of bad luck on these extended training exercises. We have had three shooting accidents, one fatal, since Fort Chaffee, the first long-term training exercise. Other accidents have happened as well with vehicles and such.
Anyway, last night I took it pretty hard. I was pretty emotional after the deployment briefing last night. I was pretty quiet at home while we waited for the pizza to arrive (after and hour and a half!) and I know it upset George, but he was in the midst of last minute packing. I was pretty exhausted once I finally fell asleep and I think Sgt. Major felt it too, because he was up all night barking and scurrying about the house.

He gets that way when George is gone ... very protective and even more clingy. I spend every night trying to do homework or cross-stitching with a 60 lb. dog in my lap and have the bruises to prove it.

Everybody is like "you're independent, youÂ’re strong, you'll get through it just fine." But what if I don't. Sometimes I hate being strong ... why can't I fall apart and let someone else fix it? But that'll never happen.

As fourth child and oldest girl in a family of 12, I've always had to worry how the other others were holding up in difficult times. It was really hard when I was an FRG (family readiness group) leader of 40-50 spouses. That's what I was doing when we got the call about the Soldier who had died (see Military Life: Not Always Easy in October archives). Everyone was looking to me for answers and it was hard. Now that we've moved to a new company, we are in a different FRG. I am quite content to be at the end of the information chain, although my new FRG leader keeps pushing for me to be a point of contact person.
I'm content to be the battalion publicity chairperson for now. I am volunteering in other areas that are a lot less stressful. Being the AWANAs cubbies (three-year-olds) craft teacher is not that hard, but a lot of fun.

I did get a chance to meet him for lunch, although it was a short one. We went to the deli just up the road from his battalion and grabbed a couple sandwiches. No sooner had I put my last bite of burger into my mouth than he asked, "Can we eat the chips in the car?" And that was it. I dropped him off at the battalion HQ as he was rattling on about what he had to do before they moved out.

I guess 21 days is not that long.Theree is always worse. He'll get to come in for Thanksgiving which we'll spend with our family inHoustonn and them he'll return to the field for another week or so. This, I foresee, will be what our life is like over the next few months as his unit prepares to leave. I guess in the whole scheme of things, I should find the positives to think about while he is gone. Until the deployments over though, I can't promise "rosy" postings everyday ... but I'll be o.k.

Editor's note: This posting was written Nov. 2, but as with and military unit event, was not posted until all personnel had completed movement. This is done as a general safety practice.

Three wishes ...

I'm sitting here watching "Three Wishes" and I haven't stopped crying since the moment it came on. Has anyone else seen this show?

I saw the episode last week where they visited a military installation. They gave away three house and had a surprise wedding.

This week a newly blind mother tries to overcome her fear of going out on her own. Just trying to do everything things like crossing the street or take her child to the park was heartbreaking as she struggled with her fear.

The there was a couple who used every penny they had to found the Happy Factory, a group of volunteers who made and donated toys to underprivileged children around the world. Not only did they get to go to Nicaragua to deliver toys themselves, but got a new, larger factory.

The third story was of a little girl who was caught in a fire and using what she had learned in a fire safety class, was able to get out safely. All she wanted was a chance to thank the firefighters and become a junior firefighter. After that was complete the fire department was presented with two new trucks.

It is a very moving show. Kinda makes you wonder, if you had one wish what would it be?

Craft Corner: Looking for lost pattern

I started this cross-stitch when I was in high school. It was freedom in different languages, 12 I think. Anyway, this was as far as I got, before the magazine was lost when my father's house burned down. I had left very little at his house when I went o college, but there was a stack of old cross stitch magazines that I treasured.

I was given a stack of old magazines by a elderly lady in the church that were from 1980's and 1990's, I think it could have been in a Country Crossstitch Magazine, but not certain.

Anyway, there were about five projects that were incomplete and I was unable to find patterns afterwards, but this one was too beautiful to throw out. I'll frame it one day, even though I still search for this long ago published pattern so I can make a complete one. The project has resurfaced over the years and I found it again when I was unpacking after arriving at out current duty station.

I think that even if I do find it, I'll start a new one as this half-finished symbol of unified freedom has lives quite comfortably in my hope chest for many years as I waited for the perfect home to hand it in. What better place that an Army installation.

Now that I am married to a Soldier, I'd love to find the project and complete it for our home.

When I frame it and put it in its place, I'll post a photo, but until then ...

Craft Corner: Unfinished business ...

Some say that you'll never die with unfinished business. If this is true, then I'll be immortal ... at least when it comes to craft projects. In just cross stitch alone, it'll be a full-time job completing what I've started. I'm not complaining though, I have more than enough to do while George is deployed, and it was a definite salvation when Hurricane Rita knocked out the power. Once my family left, I alternated between working on finishing projects and studying.

Here's a list to show you what projects I am "aware" need competing ...
1. Patriotic Ribbon (this one I fell in love with and am planning on putting George's name and what Operation he deployed in and dates gone)
2. Easter Bunny (this is a project that my mom asked me to make for her. She had bought the pattern at one of the quilting conventions her business had a booth in ... five years ago ... I know, I agreed to do it beut didn't have my heart into it, but it should be finished soon as it is my current project.)
3. Plastic canvas Santas (these guys were too cute. I started them last year, but the season was over by the time I did presents, ornament exchanges and such.)
4. Rolly Polly Santas (same reason as above. They look like those weeble/wobble things ... adorable!)
5. Army Seal (got a little over my head on this one ... it was more intricate than I thought. I go back and work on it every so often, then put it away when I get burned out.)
6. "This is my beloved" (just needs to be made wither into a pillow or wall hanging ... haven't decided)
7. Wreath wall hanging ( same as above. I don't have a sewing machine so I have to wait until I visit my mom which is hard becasue she is on the road like 46 weeks a year.)
8. Victorian house (got distracted with the move to Fort Polk, just found it)
9. Bear in China Cabinet (had lost the book, but found it when cleaning the craft closet)
10. Nativity (having trouble with the color pattern, sometimes the symbols/colors run together and I have to walk away from it)
11. Rose pillow cases (I did a his/hers sweet dreams set, these I think were for a "guest besdroom" set I was working on)
12. Rose quilt blocks (same theme as above, I was going tot make a quilt)
13. Tea cup and saucer (I collect tea cups and saucers and was making this for our kitchen, it is really pretty with gold thread used throughout the pattern, I was trying to alter the pattern becasue it said "mom" and I'm not)
14. Victorian Shelf (very cute, looking for the book)
15. Angel (very pretty angel with its wings in a oval pattern)
16. Benjamin's bear bib ( this is for my infant cousin ... I made a few things for him for the baby shower and my aunt keeps finding news ones for me to make, I love her, but kinda got burned out on doing baby stuff since I'm not a parent or anything)
17. Humpty Dumpty bib (I just fell in love with this on and am making it for a friend who is due next month ... her husband and mine we both officers in the same company initially, not still in same battalion)
18. Love, Honor, Cherish (long story ... short version these were centerpieces for my wedding which the Army interrupted ... maybe it'll happen one day)
19. Daisy centerpiece (this is actually a new project, I am trying to make a centerpiece for each season, but other obligations keep coming up)
20. Stained glass name (very cute ... it is a "stained glass frame" with our last name in it ... I have to do the "math" on stitching our name because it is from two different patterns)
21. Four guardian angels (I am actually doing one for each of my nieces in their favorite color ... these are 2006 Christmas presents so no real rush ... very cute they are "tattered" angels that I found and changed the colors on)
22. Pink plastic Easter egg (This is very cute, I have an egg pattern that I am stitching on plastic canvas and will embellish with lace, beads, etc.)

I have no doubt that I will be more than busy over the next year as my husband is deployed "in country". I have never actually finished a project for ME, so I am looking forward to that. I am a bit too nice and when people admire my work or ask me to make them "one just like that" I end up giving mine away. Here's to saying no, this one's for me!

Craft Corner: Support displaced stitchers

As some of you know I am an avid cross stitcher (and many other crafts as well) and am always looking for new ideas, projects, etc. When I was on the About.com cross stitch website today I saw a posting to "adopt" a displaced stitcher.
As my husband and I have been "adopting" deployed Soldiers for years, I thought it sounded fun and signed up.
Now I know some of you are thinking ... "These people really don't need craft projects, they need food and a place to live." Well I agree, but if you talk to any die-hard crafter they will tell you that it can be calming and theraputic, in fact scientific studied have shown that crocheting, sewing, cross stitching and such are proven to lower blood preasure, so I choose to argue (or justify my shopping) that it is in fact healthy.
Now, while I agree that there are so many other things that people need (and we donate to those organizations as well) I think that it is important to help people find other things to dwell on besides their losses -- great or small. Also as we enter the holiday season many of these families may feel aditional sadness over not being able to join in the spirit of the season by gift giving and this helps them feel like things are not so hopeless.
Growing up in a family with 12 children, we often exchanged homemade gifts. It was the act of being able to open something on Christmas morning that made us feel "normal" not what was inside.
You don't have to be a stitcher to sign-up either. If you want to help, sign up to adopt some one. Salespeople at the craft store can help you choose something or email me, I have plenty of ideas.
For more information on how you can help visit:
The Helping Hurricane stitchers blog.

New Blog

I have created a new blog for posting my craft projects. This web blog will remain dedicated to family updates and anicdotes for our family and friends, so that even though they cannot be with us, they can still be a part of our everyday lives.
All of the craft posts will be moved to My Stitching Haven. Please feel free to visit both sites.

Craft Corner: 2005 Christmas Project No. 1

I painted this Christmas project a few weeks ago. I have actually been very hesitant to paint because I lack patience and talent, but had a lot of fun doing this. So if you get one for Christmas, act surprised, I think I'm going to try some more.

The Military Wife

I found this on the Infantry Officers Basic Course Wives Page ...

The good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared.
She said, “Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one. What’s wrong with the standard model?”
The Lord replied, “Have you seen the specs on this order?
She has to be completely independent, posses the qualities of both father and mother, be a perfect hostess to four or 40 with an hour’s notice, run on black coffee, handle every emergency imaginable without a manual, be able to carry on cheerfully, even if she is pregnant and has the flu, and she must be willing to move to a new location 10 times in 17 years.
And oh, yes, she must have six pairs of hands.”
The angel shook her head. “Six pairs of hands? No way.”
The Lord continued, “Don’t worry, we will make other military wives to help her. And we will give her an unusually strong heart so it can swell with pride in her husband’s achievements, sustain the pain of separations, beat soundly when it is overworked and tired, and be large enough to say, ‘I understand’, when she doesn’t, and say ‘I love you, regardless’.
“Lord, go to bed and get some rest. You can finish this tomorrow”, said the angel.
“I can’t stop now, “ said the Lord. “I am so close to creating something unique. Already this model heals herself when she is sick, can put up six unexpected guests for the weekend, wave goodbye to her husband from a pier, a run-way, or a depot, and understand why it’s important that he leaves.”
The angel circled the model of the military wife, looked at it closely and sighed, “It looks fine, but it’s to soft.”
“She might look soft, “ replied the Lord, “but she has the strength of a lion. You would not believe what she can endure.”
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Lord’s creation. “There’s a leak,” she announced. “Something is wrong with the construction. I am not surprised that is has cracked. You are trying to put too much into this model.”
The Lord appeared offended at the angel’s lack of confidence. “What you see is not a leak,” he said. “It’s a tear.”
“A tear? What is it there for?” asked the angel.
The Lord replied, “It’s for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness, pride, and a dedication to all the values that she and her husband hold dear.”
“You are a genius!” exclaimed the angel.
The Lord looked puzzled and replied, “I didn’t put it there.”

Author Unknown

Christmas on post

Christmas is a mere 52 days away. It is by far my favorite holiday, not because of the gifts and food (although I don't turn away from either) but it gives me the perfect reason to pull out that book of craft projects and look for something fun to do. Each year since George and I have met (although a coincidence) I have made a homemade Victorian-theme Christmas ornament.

It actually started with a friend of mine from college, Amy. She enjoys crafts too, but sometimes needs a little push in the direction of figuring out what to do. So our first Christmas in college we made the beautiful beads and cording ornament balls. (The year before I had made some lace angels - that was the beginning.)

After that in college, every year we made a different ornament - mine red, white and gold, hers blue silver and white. One we graduated and moved away I continued making the ornaments, trying new things every year, but always make a couple for her in her theme color. This year we will finally have a tree and I am excited to see how they look.

Another reason i enjoy the holiday season is because there are an abundance of volunteer programs and projects I can do, completely wearing myself out, with the thought that in January I can recuperate. That way, I don't feel obligated all year round (although there are some programs such as AWANAs that I do.)

Here are some of the ones offered on post:

The annual Christmas Food Basket Program: the program is a cooperative effort between post chaplains and the Leesville Area Ministerial Alliance. The groups work with local schools, churches, civic organizations and businesses to collect food for distribution to needy families throughout the local community and Soldiers at Fort Polk. During the 2004 holiday season, more than 600 Christmas baskets were distributed to military families. Individual units will designate a point of contact responsible for identifying Soldiers who could use the basket. Baskets provide a complete holiday meal for families and will include ham or chicken, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rice, sugar and salt.

Christmas Toy Distribution Program: Toy donations of new toys that cost no more than $10. The program provides age- and gender-appropriate toys and books to the children of active-duty Soldiers in need during the Christmas holidays. The goal for this year's program is $20,000 in toys and monetary donations to help Soldiers ensure their children have something beneath the tree on Christmas morning. The Christmas Toy Distribution Program will be incorporated with the chaplains' Christmas Food Basket Program to provide a community-wide approach to meet the needs of military families experiencing financial difficulties.

Red Fridays

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason?

Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday --and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that...

Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Freedom in many languages!

I started this cross-stitch when I was in high school. It was freedom in different languages, 12 I think. Anyway, this was as far as I got, before the magazine was lost when my father's house burned down. I had left very little at his house when I went o college, but there was a stack of old cross stitch magazines that I treasured. My father's wife thinks she threw them out, giving her the benefit of the doubt, I assume they were lost in the house fire (in a friendlier relationship she would have been my stepmother but that is another story for another day!)

Anyway, there were about five projects that were incomplete and I was unable to find patterns afterwards, but this one was too beautiful to throw out. I'll frame it oneday, even those I still search for this long ago published pattern so I can make a complete one.

I think that even if I do find it, I'll start a new one as this half-finished symbol of unified freedom has lives quite comfortably in my hope chest for many years as I waited for the perfect home to hand it in. What better place that an Army installation.

When I frame it and put it in its place, i'll post a photo, but until then ...