THOUGHTS OF ONE SOLDIER'S MOM

Hello everyone, this is Stacy from Keep My Soldier Safe, another helper of AWTM's.

When AWTM ask me to write a post, about how life is with Michael home, do I sleep better, and if I was already awaiting his next deployment, I thought no problem at all, this will be a breeze.

Well, I thought wrong. I have thought and thought on the three things that she ask me to talk about, and I was at a loss for words for several days. I guess I did not realize how hard for me it is to stop and think about those 18 months. I can say that sending him off to war was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do, then the greatest day was on Christmas Eve 2005 when those Boots touched Mississippi ground at Camp Shelby.

I’ll start off with the answer to “DO I SLEEP BETTER?” You bet your last dollar that I sleep better. I have slept so sound since Christmas Eve 2005. I forgot how good it felt to sleep the whole night through. I use to go to bed around 8:00 pm before Michael was deployed. For the 11 months that he was in Iraq, there was never a time when I recall getting in the bed before 11:00 pm, nor do I recall sleeping the whole night through. If I got 4 hours of sleep a night, I was doing good. So it is wonderful to sleep the whole night through. I always had my laptop right beside my bed, just in case he was able to log on to yahoo. I was constantly waking up to see if he was online. My cell phone was always glued to my side no matter what.

“How is life with Michael Home?’ IT’S GREAT. No stress, and no sleepless nights, except for those night when I know he’s out on his motorcycle.

“Am I already waiting his next deployment?” Yes and no. Something tells me that he will be deployed again, as they did not have them turn in their equipment, but maybe, just maybe that is how our government really works. I am sure it is a great possibility that he might be deployed again, I just don’t think I am quite ready for it. I definitely learned a lot through the first deployment. The second one can’t be any easier, I just know what to expect the next time.

Michael has moved out on his own several weeks ago, so I have a slight case of the empty nest syndrome I think. He is only 15 minutes away. Much better than the 7500 miles away when he was in Iraq.

Thanks AWTM for asking me to guest post.

A thousand tiny cuts

Posted by HomefrontSix

To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action. - Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.

Military life…to me is often a lot like enduring paper cuts. A paper cut is a minor thing. Slightly painful. Definitely annoying at times but tends to heal quickly. Usually there isn’t a lot of blood. Sometimes there is cussing. And sometimes a band-aid is needed but more often, it heals up just fine if you just leave it alone. They tend not to happen often but when they do they make a big, yet momentary, impact.

Deployments are now a part of military life like they have not been for decades, generations even. They don’t happen every day (unless you’re with the 101st) but when they do, they make a big impact. And, at the time, it seems like it lasts forever but in hindsight it is but a blip on the overall radar of life. The deployment itself stings much like a paper cut and then the pain tends to subside to something that resembles a dull ache until the cut heals and the soldier returns.

The nomadic life of a military family is another one of the paper cuts of military life. Friends come and then they leave. Moves are as much a part of military life as deployments. The initial departure – either yours or that of a good friend who is PCSing – is painful. It stings. And then it subsides to a dull ache. Sometimes that ache never really goes away and you never are able to cross paths with those friends again. Sometimes you are fortunate enough to be stationed together again and that ache goes away. But the initial separation stings like an SOB. (I told you there was cussing sometimes).

There are other parts of military life that sting…frequent TDYs (business trips that take the soldier away from home for a few days up to a few months), lousy work schedules, alert roster calls at o’dark thirty, friends who do not come home from a deployment. Many, many cuts. Very few are what most would consider to be life threatening but the cumulative effect of those cuts can be overwhelming. Hopefully the salves in life – faith, family, and friends – are enough to prevent deep scars from forming. Hopefully.




Pau.




- hfs




cross posted at HomefrontSix

The Power of a Package from a Stranger

Posted by MaryAnn.

When asking me to be one of her helpers, AWTM requested I share some Soldiers' Angels "classics" with you all.

The following letter from a Soldier received by one of our members is known at Soldiers' Angels simply as The Letter.

Dec 18, 2003

Dear "Army Mom,"

Just wanted to take a second to tell you what happened in Iraq today. It was raining - and I was just coming in to my headquarters when when I passed by one of my newer soldiers - an immigrant from the former Soviet Union - and one of my BEST privates.

I was stopped in my tracks, for behold - on such a dreary day he was smiling. I was being funny (at first) and I said "awww you got a package with some goodies? Who sent that to you?" And as I expected to hear him say "my mom“ (or something like that) he turned his face to me and said "I don't know... " He had a smile on his face... and as I saw his eyes glazing he said " ...that's why I was smiling" and at that my eyes began to glaze too.

I can never take for granted their service, not for one minute - not for one second. And now... even in a hell like this - God has sent yet another Angel.

I'll bet you didn't know that did you? How truly amazing - how close we come to God in such a far away place.

And how silly I am for thinking that this private's safety is for me only to keep. Seems there are many who share this burden - and make me sleep sound.

You made one of my soldiers smile today - sitting there by himself - and for that, you have touched my soul.

I'd thank you, but that's not why Angels do what they do (I know). So instead I'll just say - Well Done! You can rest easy, message received. And I'll do my best to bring them home. I owe God one ;-)

Thank you from my soul,



PS From the fourth Army son of a mom like you no doubt.

Received by Sara of Soldiers' Angels, a Proud Army Mom, Co-Leader of the Soldiers' Angels Letter Writing Team and Leader of the Angel Bakers Team.

Two American Heroes

This is MaryAnn of Soldiers' Angels Germany, and I'm one of AWTM's helpers. Our primary mission in Germany is to support troops who are transitioned through Germany for medical treatment from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Because today is Memorial Day, I wanted to talk about two members of the Soldiers' Angels extended family. As part of the Soldiers' Angels deployed soldier support program, these two young troops were "adopted" by Angels who sent them letters and packages. Here are their stories.

* * *

Hatak Yearby was a young Native American who grew up in Oklahoma together with his parents and two sisters. Many back at Marietta High School in Overbrook remember him as "the polite, quite kid with the two braids".

Hatak, which means "free man", cherished his Choctaw and Creek ancestries. He participated in American Indian dancer competitions, once winning second place.

Jose MarinDominguez was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and emigrated to the United States in 1991. His family later moved to Liberal, Kansas where he became a U.S. citizen.

Growing up in Liberal, Jose loved music and cars, and even started a car club. He was known as a sweet guy with a tough exterior, a familiar face in church, and devoted to his adopted country.

One morning Hatak woke up and told his mother he had a dream. He had to cut his hair. Influenced by past warriors and veterans, he had to join the Marines.

Jose told his automotive mechanics instructor he was going to join the Marines right after high school, and he did. He was excited about it, believing God "had him there for a reason".

Both were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Both went out on a mission together two weeks ago in Anbar province, Iraq.

And so these two Americans - one a Native American, the other a Mexican-born naturalized American - died together during combat operations on 14 May, 2006 in the Global War on Terror.

Please remember our Heroes, today on Memorial Day and every day.


Both families will receive living trees to be planted in memory of their Heroes from the Soldiers' Angels Living Legends Team.

Decoration Day

Decoration Day, 1908


Let us meet where the soldier boys lay,
Let us bring forth Old Glory once more,
Let us tell of the valor today
That was shown in the battles of yore;
Let us meet where the trenches were deep,
In the woodland on mountain or hill,
Where the sons of Old Glory now sleep,
Though the cannon and musket are still.

Let us meet, yes, with reverent hearts
While a remnant remains with us yet,
Let us tell, though the tear often starts,
Of the days we should never forget;
Of the soldier who kissed the hot tears
From the cheeks 0f a maiden, that burned,
Of the maiden that waited long years
For a soldier that never returned.

Let us tell of the prison walls dumb,
Where the wounded and sick called in vain
For a mother with water to come
And cool off a feverish brain;
Let us tell of the vigil at night,
Of marches through mud and the rain,
Of the charge at the dawn's early light
When thousands and thousands were slain.

Ah, yes; we will tell it today,
That the youth 'neath Old Glory may hear;
On each grave a fond token we'll lay
For the heroes we love and revere.
For so long as Old Glory shall wave,
Yes, so long as our hearts shall beat true,
We will honor the true and the brave
Who fought for the Red, White and Blue.
~Ed Blair.

Memorial Day

Means, there are people to thank, and people to remember.

To those who have lost someone...

Someone sent me this, I think I need to share it.

My Grandmother called it Decoration Day...

Driving over the prarie, watching the grain, and one train after another. Made me think about the coming holiday. My Grandmother called it Decoration Day.

The trains made me think about "The Canteen" in North Platte.

A fantastic piece....

"On December 17, 1941, residents of North Platte learned that Nebraska National Guard members would be traveling through the community on a troop train en route to the West Coast. The residents decided that they would gather food and gifts for the troops and meet the incoming train to show their appreciation. Equipped with an abundance of gifts for the troops, residents met the train, but quickly learned that the train was carrying only Kansas troops, who gratefully accepted the donations. Seeing their appreciation and realizing the need for such a service, Rae Wilson of North Platte suggested that residents do the same for every troop train that traveled through the community.

From that day, December 25, 1941, through April 1, 1946-- a span of nearly 5 ½ years-- residents of North Platte and surrounding communities met every troop train that traveled through North Platte. This massive undertaking required sometimes meeting as many as 23 trains a day and at all hours, both day and night. The enthusiasm spread as approximately 55,000 volunteers came from 125 communities in not just Nebraska, but Colorado and Kansas as well. By the end of the North Platte Canteen’s operation, 6 million military personnel from every state across the country were greeted by the kindness and support of the North Platte Canteen volunteers.

Remarkably, the North Platte Canteen accomplished this great success without a dime of federal assistance. Instead, they operated on contributions from benefit dances, local businesses, personal donations, and volunteering. Records indicate that during a one-month period, the canteen served approximately 40,000 homemade cookies, 30,000 hard-boiled eggs, 6,500 doughnuts, 4,000 loaves of bread, 3,000 pounds of meat, 450 pounds of cheese, 60 quarts of peanut butter, 1,350 pounds of coffee, 1,200 quarts of cream, 750 dozen rolls, and 600 birthday cakes. What is more, all of this was donated even though families were still being asked to ration certain items. "


There is no place like Nebraska, and the peonies are in bloom, just in time.

Award

The Soldier's Medal is a military award of the United States Army. It was introduced by a law passed by U.S. Congress on July 2, 1926. The criteria for the medal are: "The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy." (Army Regulation 600-8-22).


Staff Sgt. Curtis Haines, of Hope, Ark., earned the Soldiers Medal, for his actions in the aftermath of a vehicular bomb explosion at a military checkpoint in Baghdad, Iraq, while deployed with the 39th Brigade Combat Team. The public is invited to attend the presentation of this distinguished award, which will take place at the Prescott High School auditorium.

On May 6, 2004, after receiving word of a vehicle detonation, Staff Sgt. Haines led his squad to the scene of the incident and quickly secured the site. Disregarding his own safety, Haines dove into a burning vehicle to retrieve an Iraqi citizen who was seriously injured and on fire. Haines pulled the civilian from the vehicle and carried him over fifty yards to safety, then immediately started to administer medical aid. He then transferred the citizen to more qualified medical personnel, ultimately saving the individual's life, before moving on to direct his troops in extending the area perimeter.

Thank You, and we are very proud of you.

I am here...

Tired but here.

The trip, not a terrible one. Imagine that. We managed to make it about 10 hours, without a DVD, and only one hour of handheld leapster game. The Collective was great. REALLY. I cannot complain. They must have a bit of "gypsy" blood in them.

Dash won the good contest, Pink ninja coming in a close second.

In other developments. My niece ADORABLE, simply adorable. Naturally curly hair, and smart as a whip. Pink Ninja and Curly Sue, got along fantastically. They are sure to get into some sort of trouble in the future. They tried to outlast one another tonight, and buzzed around here on giggles and adrenoline until almost 11:00pm. Yeah, MUCH later than the norm.

Dash gave in early, knowing there was no way he could tolerate their poking and proding.

So far nothing broken, no fits thrown, 2 rabbit dens found. "The girls" wanting to care for the tiny bunnies, dress them and care for them.

Dash has managed to get lucky. There is a Child sized Thomas the Tank Engine here in the garage, complete with track. Neither of the girls can figure out how it works, so Dash was able to enjoy without interruption.

Spaghetti for dinner, delish.

Brother, and I spending the day with all of the children tommorow.

*On a side note*

I am freakishly climatizing to the Southern climate. I am finding the "Northern temps....a little chilly. Yes even at 84 degrees...Wow, I never saw it coming.

Can you say wuss?

She is THERE

Talking to AWTM on the cell phone. She is at her brother's house. The destination was made earlier than expected even with a few wrong turns.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would be leaving with a smile on my face, and polite wave.

American Idle, or One Michael McDonald is MORE than enough...

I cannot wait for this "American Idle" thingy to be over. I have not watched one second of it. That said, it seems as if I cannot escape America's fascination with the newest Michael McDonald. One Michael McDonald is more than enough, I promise....

On Weight, Age and Gravity.....

Ok, it is summer, it is hotter than Hades. My Swimsuit from last year is a bit big, it is still doable. I will say this. I do think I desrve a new one. I have worked hard. Even if it one dress size in a year. Yeah, all of my hard work, and one dress size.

That is alright, I do think the loss of a dress size is a permanent one. I have not weighed myself, and I do not want to. The scale has become my nemesis.

Problem areas are as follows. My tummy, even after months of pilates. It is better, still a problem. I also need something I can chase 2 small children in, something I can bend and left in. Something I will not run around in and think "OH my God, I am having to run in a swimsuit!" Another area, my waist...what waist. Exactly.

So, no more bikinis. I am over it, it has been over 4 years.

On another note, I am almost 36, am not a size 5 or 8 for that matter...

*post script*

oh, I insist on a skirt, my ass has aged with the rest of me...*

What Chou Talkin' Bout Willis?

Ok, so I am readying myself for a trek across the prairie. A trek that includes me as "the collectives" sherpa, and Mother.

To say I am a bit panicked. Well that is about on the money. Although, I really am about the coolest M'er F'er on the planet.

I mean really, my children have my ass trained.

So I am talking with my Brother, about packing, and the trip, and the fact that we will just be soooo out of routine, ad naseum....

My Brother says "man, you need to calm down".

First off I got to honest with you, I was simply complaining...I wasn't "excited" or flipping out..

However I was quick to point out my past experiences with "the collective", because I guess my Brother has a short memory.

Here is a conversation that transpired between me and my Brother. I will call him Rico again, you know like the song Rico Suave, because he hates when I do that)

Rico: "Stop freaking out, it isn't like you are alone. We will help. It will be fun."

Me: "OK, person with one daughter that has never been on a drive over 5 hours with her"

Rico: "WE will help."

Me: "Yeah I know how that works. (I then went into a long diatribe about how people told me that at Grandma's funeral, and how Dash somehow ended up in a freshly dug grave, in front of God and everyone)

Rico: "Oh, it will be fine."

Me: "Rico, my daughter has broken her arms. They do things, they require supervision. Please do not tell me I am dramatic here...For Gods sake. Pink Ninja, has had 2 broken arms, and Dash fell in a grave, in front of God and everyone."

Rico: "Calm Down"

Me: "Dash just peed at the park in front of God and everyone."

Rico: "Yeah, that was weird."

On The Night Stand

Pioneering Spirit

In a couple of days, I am headed to the Great Plains, land of wind, corn and cattle to visit my Father, and the rest of the my extended family. Including a gorgeous niece I have not seen for almost a year.

I am following the footsteps of many of my ancestors and making the trek across the prarie in my "truwk". Oh sure it is faster than a Conestoga, but with 2 toddlers it might feel like a month.


My computer use will be very limited, as all do not have "fancy computer thingys" back home.

I do plan on taking a lot of photos. Perhaps before and after photos of my Father's all white livingroom. Perhaps before and after photos of relatives that "thought" they wanted to see us. I am sure the kids will break something at my Dads, they always do, I will take a photos of that as well. We have been told the neighbor lady, is excited to put "the collective" in a buggy, pulled by a tiny white pony.

I will manage fine I am sure. There are people to see, stories to catch up, food to be eaten.

I have also managed to convince a few people to man the blog while I am away.

I am thrilled they have agreed to keep things fresh around here. I also trust you will enjoy them, as much as I do. The life experience combined by the women should be informative, and inspiring.

HomeFront6
Keep My Soldier Safe
Soldier's Angels Germany
Air Force Family
My Life As A Military Spouse

I am also waiting to hear from:
CaliValleyGirl
Lee Anns View These are ladies, I enjoy reading daily. I am also thrilled they have agreed to write here. They have a lot of experience to offer. So grab your coffee, a box of tissues, chocolates. We have things to talk about.

Welcome to my kitchen ladies....

"Butterfree"

PinkNinja has become fascinated with all things "butterfree", what she calls beautiful.

I had to put my curlers in her hair about a week ago, Daddy got last nights curler duty.

Two nights ago, she got her first "real manicure" complete with OPI's "Smokin'in Havana" red nail polish. Perhaps it was a bit much for a 2 year old, but she simply refused the clear polish.

Return To Sender...

Dash, is echolaic. Yeah yeah, most kids are.

This week the phrase has been.

"Over The Hedge opens in theaters May 19"

Since I do not have the luck of both children being able to sit through a movie. DH and Dash have become movie buddies. This is also huge, because about one year ago, Dash was terrified of movie theaters. Strangers, vast darkness, the noise. Now, he loves the theater.

So today Dash asked for a pencil, and got his notebook. In his best "pretend cursive" he proceeded to write his Father a letter.

The following is how Dash "translated" said letter.

Dear Daddy,

Over The Hedge, the movie, opened in theaters May 19, it is after that. So, you need to take me to the movie. If you do not take me to the movie, I will have you put in jail.

Sincerely,Dash

Prayer, and Support

~Lao Tzu
Kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness, kindness in feeling creates love. .

What can you do do make a difference in someone's day?

This mil-blogger has not been home for long, and was recently diagnosed with stage 3-4 colon cancer.

"First off, Sher and I want to send out an enormous round of THANKS. Your prayers have been heard it seems. I am up and moving around more today. I walked all the way down the hall, around the corner, and back down the other side. I am sitting up better and not hurting as bad."


He is on the road of recovery and she writes.
"We are only in the beginning of this entire ordeal and I know that neither Greg nor I can really grasp the full scope of what is ahead with the chemotherapy. Not a single member of our immediate family is here. It would be easy to let self pity take over. Yet, I am already seeing such hope and promise in the letters, comments, phone calls and offers of help all around us. Soldiers from Camp Shelby come everyday to visit. A fellow soldier that served in Iraq with Greg made the 4 ½ hour drive down yesterday from our home town to see him. The military chaplain stayed with me for the 3 hours he was in surgery and wouldn’t leave me until Greg was back in his room post op. They have offered to bring me food, sit here with him at the hospital and one of them even “popped” my back when I was too stiff to even turn my head."

Well for the price of a stamp, you can write a note to Greg and his Dear Wife.

Greg and Sher
P.O. Box 883,
Horn Lake, MS
38637

Overheard at Kohls...

Customer Service Desk at Kohls Department store. AWTM, returning one pair of white sateen cotton dress pants. (Oh, and I know I said I had to return the pants to Steinmart, but I bought them at Kohls, lovely that my memory is fading fast)

Kohls staff: "May I help you?"

AWTM: "Yes, I would like to return these pants."

Kohls staff: "Was there a problem?"

AWTM: "Uh, yeah I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. I think I bought them in some sort of sanity lapse."

Kohls staff: "chortle chortle gawfaw ."

Lights dim Curtain Closes...

Scrubbing....

My Sunday was better than I could have imagined. Probably because I put up the floodgates, while waiting for whatever "could" happen. I was cool, nothing happened. I did not really "cook" today. I tried to stay out of the kitchen. I did grill steaks for dinner, but the kitchen is tricky territory. I protected myself. I also had A LOT of errands to run, and was successful, in getting most of them accomplished. Although, tommorow is another errand filled day.

So today , was a good Day. Dash was great, behaved sweetly. Except for trying to hang up on his Grampanio, and his Gramma. Otherwise, he was chatty, and sweet, and a delight. Pink Ninja told me, "NO", and "NO" so many times and in so many ways, it drove me nuts. The other problem with Pink Ninja right now, is the perpetual motion thing. She is moving all of the time. When we are at home, I do not mind the motion. However it is something, when you are in a cart, or trying to dine out. So, we had a sort of battle of the wills all day. I think she won. I was ready for bed time tonight.

A full day, a good day.

Thank you to Bou, Tammi, and VW for the calls.

It really was just another day for me, until I call my Dad tonight. I did not bring up the date or mention it to him.

Me: "Hey, how was your day?"

Dad: "Good."

Me: "What did you do?"

Dad: "Went to Walmart, bought some plants, Lady Friend and I planted some lillies. Then We went to the cemetary. We took scrub brushes and soap and water and we scrubbed your Mom's stone, and then Lady Friends husband's stone. We pulled weeds, and then went to your cousins headstone and cleaned that up too."

Me: "Good" (but thinking, what a long day it was for him, and recalling yesterday was my parent's 43rd anniversary)

Dad: "We are getting dinner ready now"

Me: "good"

I think I said more than just good through the conversation, but I cannot recall. The thought of my Dad crouched down scrubbing my Mothers headstone saddens me. A loving thing to do. The fact remains that he is not only scrubbing her headstone, he is scrubbing his own. Running a brush over his name and the empty departure date.

Today might have been OK here at Casa De Dust, however I think of the vastness of my prarie, and envision my Father today. I wish i could have helped him scrub, or at least give him a hug when he was done today.

Moon Cake or Almost Eclairs

Today, I am going to post one of my Mom's most requested to bring desserts. The "crust" of this is cream puff.

It is delicious and requires little in the the way of ingredients or preparation time.

Plus, if you follow step 1: You can make cream puffs, and fill them with the pudding mixture!


Mom's Moon Cake
Step 1:

1 cup water
1 stick butter
boil

Remove from heat and add
1 cup flour (or a bit morE)
beat in 4 eggs (one at a time)

Spread this mixture in a 9 by 13 greased pan
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or less.

Cool this.

Step 2:

Mix
3 pkg instant vanilla pudding (small boxes)
3 1/2 cups milk
1 8oz cream cheese

Step 3:

Spread this over baked and cooled mixture.

Let set in refrige for 40 minutes

Step 4:

1 medium cool whip

spread over pudding mixture.

-top with chocolate syrup

(nuts make a lovely addition for those who prefer)

4 years ago today...

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow;
I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain;
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush;
I am in the graceful rush.

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.

I am the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die."

~Mary Frye (1932)~


My Mother passed to the other side of her life.

4 years, and life has thankfully gone on for me. Some days rushing by with such speed I can not recall them. Other moments have been in slow motion. I guess that is how the continuum of time works.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

Boating and a romantic picnic would be just the ticket.

Cheap Night At Home...

Popcorn night here at Casa De Dust, extra butter tonight. I am skipping dinner, and deserve a snack.

Tonight on TCM, They are featuring "Destry Rides Again"

Starring Marlene Dietrich, James Stewart, Mischa Auer, Charles Winninger, Brian Donlevy, Allen Jenkins, Irene Hervey, Bill Cody, Jr., and Una Merkel.

"This is both a comedy and a drama, about how a corrupt and violent town can be cleaned up without relying entirely on physical force. It demonstrates the power the cooperation between men and women, as well as what can be done by putting respect for the law over reliance on brawn."

Under The Knife....

Ok, so I secretly went and had a little something done. I have had a couple of e-mails wanting to know the story "behind" the makeover. There really is none. I actually won the "makeover" in an auction for Soldiers Angel's .

I too was a little tired of my pepto-bismal pink, not as tired of the pink as many of my male readers. But tired yes. I also was a bit frightened of the makeover, I mean we have all seen what happened to Nicole Kidman.




One of my daily visits is Plan59, because a small part of me was born in the wrong era. So I picked an image, got permission and sent it to Emily from Swank. I really think Emily did a fantastic job.

I spend an inordinate amount of time at the sink....

Courage and Amazing Men.

I was just over at Gunn Nutt's place, and saw the fantastic photo of PFC Josh Sparling and his Father, I also read the letter. It is the MUST read of the day. I did have the good fortune of meeting PFC SParling and his Father, while on my first trip to Washington D.C. Bravery, strength, and courage were shown to me.

I also read this over at Andi's place. She writes this.

"On April 4, 2006, H.R. 5083: Staff Sergeant Carlos Farler Citizen Soldier Equality Act of 2006 was introduced in the House of Representatives. Farler, a soft-spoken Kentucky National Guard Sergeant, is the driving force behind this "proposal that would increase disability retirement benefits for reservists injured in combat." On May 11, The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House. The Act included language introduced in H.R. 5083. "


I also was lucky enough to meet Staff Sergeant Carlos Farler, and he left me speechless, inspired and reflective.

Honey-Do

I have a honey do list...for myself, of all people. Damn. I wish the list would dwindle down.

1) Return pink suit to Speigal via UPS. (It was too pink, and a little to big)
2) Return white pants to Stein Mart. (white pants, who am I kidding, they would NEVER get worn)
3) Vacuum out my beloved truwk, for pending road trip.
4) Windex finger prints off of beloved truwk windows (pet peeve, icky windows)
5) Finish your book, so you can return it to the library.
6) Return kids books.
7) Make out bills.
8) Make Dear Husband his list
9) Find vincas, or petunias, and marigolds to go up front in planters.
10) Mail graduation cards.
11) Do Flat Stanley project, for Sister-in Law, and get the dude in the mail ASAP!!
12) Finish laundry, and put it AWAY
13) Make Tammi's Mexican Manicotti , and a salad for dinner.
14) Get _______'s address in Iraq, so Dear Husband can mail him a box of much needed gear.

Bat-Signal

Poor Andi.

Add it to the list...

Yesterday while at the park, (prior to my Son having a grand time whizzing off of the highest point in the park-in front of God and everyone.) We were picnicking.

For those of you who know me, I am sure you are not surprised to hear I love a picnic. However, while eating yesterday, we had company.

A fat red squirrel, who has been hand fed SO MUCH, and SO OFTEN, he is no longer afraid of humans.


For the record, there are things that creep me out in the animal kingdom. I am not a fan of the "bird". Oh I love them as long as they are about 20 feet away. I do not like being chased by geese, roosters, and the like. ICK. I also do not like dead small critters eg:mice, etc. Mind you, I have worked primarily as a hospice nurse, I do not mind dead humans. Dead mice, freeze me up.

I will say this, aggressive, and assertive squirrels have made they're crappy little way onto my list.

You see, the entire time we are trying to enjoy our lunch, the little bastard squirrel was casing the joint. Trying to find the weak link. Dash ate his lunch on the slide. He was creeped out by the bastard squirrel. Pink Ninja stood behind me, cowering in hopes I would protect her. However the squirrel has had plenty of victims at the park. So he picked Pink Ninja to stalk. He seriously was working every angle to get her food. I finally broke down, grabbed a couple of sticks of big red gum and threw it at the sucker.

Dash: "Mom, is that plan A?"

Me: "Plan A?"

Dash: "Yeah, plan A?"

Me: "yeah, I guess."

Squirrel: (snubs the gum, and starts stalking Pink Ninja and I again. )

Dash: "Do you have a plan B, because it looks like plan A isn't going to work?"

Me: "Dash, why don't you come down the slide real fat and scream, that ought to scare him."

Dash: (Thrilled that I am involving his skills as a screamer, and a fantastic slider as assistant with plan B, comes screaming down the slide.)

Squirrel: (The little bastard, gets we mean business, snatches the gum, and retreats to a tree)

Dash: "Mom, it looks like a combination of plan A and plan B worked."

Me: "and that is why we do not feed wild animals."

Next time, I am gonna take the little bastards photo.

Miracles

This is fantastic news.

Eureka!

I have found it!! This years swimsuit. Probably heavy when wet, and not exactly "cooling". What can I say, summer came quick. Maybe next year.

Overheard at Casa De Dust

*Pre-script* Pink Ninja and I are sitting on the couch, she is talking sweetly to me, and touching my face. It is a wonderful moment....until....


Pink Ninja: "Momma, what is that?"

Me: "It is a pimple"

Pink Ninja: "It wooks wike a moquito bite."

Me: "Fantastic"

$40, and you could own a 2006 Harley Davidson Softail, and help The Patriot Guard Riders...

DH and I just joined the Patriot Guard Riders, and so I see this. A great idea for a fund raiser for The Patriot Guard Riders.

"The wonderful folks at the Greeley, CO VFW are raffling off a brand new 2006 Harley-Davidson Softail with the proceeds going to the Patriot Guard Riders. They are doing this in conjunction with their annual poker run that will benefit us, Rocky Mountain Military Moms, and sending real care packages to the troops. The contact for the VFW if you are interested in raffle tickets is Jeff Policicchio and he can be reached at 303-829-7922 or apolicicchio@msn.com. There will only be 600 tickets sold for this bike and the VFW has 200 spoken for. Below you will find a picture of the bike and the flyer for the poker run. Get ahold of Jeff quickly as the remaining 400 tickets will go fast at $40."


Ok, so there are only about 175 tickets left folks. You must call Jeff Policicchio, at the above #, he will set the tickets aside for you. Then please mail your check or money order to...

*check made out to VFW benifit 2121*

c/o Jeff Policicchio
261 East Holly Street
Millikin, Colorado
80543

You must also send a SASE, with your check.

Raffle ends on May 17th!!

Just imagine how smoking hawtt you will look on your new bike!!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow....

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

~music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg

I promised "the collective", we would go to the park yesterday, but it was overcrowded. Overcrowded, with the "Stepford Lilly Pulitzer" set. So, I promised them we would go today instead.

I woke this morning to perfect temperatures, a blue sky, sun shining, and birds chirping. A fantastic morning, kisses from "the collective", hot coffee. A great morning at yoga. Perfect. So I packed up "the collective", buckets, shovels, and a ball and we head to the park.

The park... And enlightening experience for me today. I guess Dash thinks "Mom" needs her "surviving coolness" checked again. (Although, I promise you it does not, being in labor took all of my existing pride, and vanity years ago)

So,all is well until I look out the corner of my eye, and see my son's bare butt, at THE HIGHEST point of all of the equipment. I also note, he is peeing of the side, giggling, and quite proud he can pee from such heights.

The "Stepford Lilly Pulitzer Set", yeah they had a few there, and yes they saw the entire thing. They were horrified. There was even a collective gasp.

For Christmas, I am asking for a hot tub.

*I deserve the hot tub, this is not the first time I have been embarassed by poor judgement in re: to the restroom example 1 example 2.

There are days I miss it...

Being A Nurse
by Melodie Chenevert

Being a nurse means. . .
You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will be surrounded by challenges.
So much to do and so little time.
You will carry immense responsibility
and very little authority.
You will step into people's lives
and you will make a difference.
Some will bless you.
Some will curse you.
You will see people at their worst--
and at their best.
You will never cease to be amazed at people's capacity
for love, courage, and endurance.
You will experience resounding triumphs
and devastating failures.
You will cry a lot.
You will laugh a lot.
You will know what it is to be human
and to be humane.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would have celebrated National Nurses Week, by wearing "my cap"....

Run for the border....

@#%*ing repeat about 100 times. The shit is flying around here. We are not happy.

Fashion faux paux

I called Boudicca this morning to check on her after her trip to the land of the "riche rat". I wanted to make sure she was "ok". You know survived her trip with her 3 boys.

To those of you that have children, you know that the words "family vacation" are an oxymoron. "Family Vacation".

Family vacation means Moms are in charge of feeding, clothing, snacking, packing, drying wet swim trunks, keeping tennis shoes dry, and referring fights in public, all while on a budget that is ruled by time and money.

So, Boudicca assures me "all is well". Of course she is, because we have to be. There is no choice. Even when the umbilical cord is cut, it remains intact.

I also note she has just returned from a blog meet in Austin, and I from a meet in D.C. We both traveled sans children to these events.

We spoke with people, without small fingers poking us in the ribs repeatedly and saying "Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom.." We both actually spoke with other adults, without interrupting a conversation with the sentences "do you have to pee?"

When Boudicca returned from Austin, she shared photos of her trip and I mine. Guess what, we both had WHITE SHIRTS on. Something you would normally never do with children around. A crisp white shirt is an invitation to be used as a tissue, toilet paper, napkin, vomit bucket. When I mentioned this to Bou, she retorted with "I even wore mine out to barbecue"....

A Mom, wearing a white shirt out in public, it is almost as insane as wearing pearls to make dinner.

To all of the Moms I know, your favorite t-shirt does make the best of accessories when out and about with the kiddos. It does. There is no worry about cheeto prints, or dirty hands. Your favorite t-shirt looks great with no make-up and a ball cap.

Sometimes however , it feels nice to have a crisp white shirt on, even if it is only for 3 hours.

Mil-Blog conference video up!!

For those of you that did not catch any of the Mil-blogging Conference, Gunn Nutt has some video up!

Serving those who serve....

I just listened to Mr. Blackfive on Pundit Review. A fantastic segment highlighting the work of Patti Bader, and Soldier's Angels.

Joey's story is one of personal strength and bravery. It also is a great way to show you what your money and support can do.

Thank You Patti.

Mom Says...

Waynes Mom, has not been blogging nearly as much since her son has returned from war. I miss her....but she wrote this yesturday.

Be Vewey Quiet....

Casa De Dust is Quiet. I feel as if the house will buckle at any moment. I think "the collective", and the constant motion and noise, hold the roof up, and nails in around here. Very quiet. I did manage a walk, a long walk through the Arkansas hills, I am sweaty and everything.

I am off to the patio now, to rehydrate, and read the Suday paper. I am even going to put my tennis shoe clad feet on the table. As Eric says, "its a rough life, but some one has to do it "rubberneckers"..."

Sun Comes UP...

Ok, it is Mother's Day here at Casa De Dust. My DH took "the collective" for the day as a gift. AHHHHHH.....although I feel guilty that I slept until 9:47am, and that I am enjoying the peace and quiet. I am going to have my morning coffee, read the paper in peace, and then I am going to clean uninterrupted. Cleaning? Yeah a wierd way to spend the day, but it won't take me long because I do not have helpers. Then I am going for a 5 mile trek. The birds are singing and the sun is shining.

Mothers Day is a bittersweet holiday for those of us that have lost our own Mothers. We are grateful for our own children, and feel blessed to have become a member of such a fantastic group. However we do miss the woman that taught us how to Mother.

So, I am going to spend the day, assesing how the last year has went, what improvements I can make. Oh, and the most important gauge of all, how happy are my children and my Husband. That is the most important question of all.

So to my fellow Moms, enjoy the day. I hope you got to sleep in, or got your favorite breakfast, some flowers, some smooches...and some rest.

You Asked, I Answered..........

OK, I told you to ask almost anything. Some of you did. I answered ALMOST all of them.

Oh, and there were more than 5 questions!!
Thank You.

Easy Company

This was brought to my attention by Dear Husband over dinner last night...

Please read and go sign.

Dear friends:

As many of you already know, a lot of people have been writing letters to our government with the hope that the military will finally award Major Dick Winters (EASY COMPANY) his Medal of Honor. Unfortunately as many of these things go, it has been caught up in red tape. Well this week they have started an online petition for Major Winters and you can help this man get what he rightfully deserves.

It's easy and you basically don't have to do ANYTHING but click on a link, type in your name, email address and city/state. That's it. So please jump on board and join a very good cause. Please pass this info along to your friends and family.

http://www.petitiononline.com/Winters/petition.html


Thank you so much,

Marion J Chard
Proud daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer WWII
http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/

Hanging out Laundry

Taking the day off....not much to say.

I have spent the last couple of weeks, very plugged in to the Casa De Dust and those surrounding it. Almost to the point of requiring a some sort of emotional surge protector. I am afraid AWTM, is a bit of an emotional sponge. I am empathetic with others to a fault.

DH, very busy with work right now. Which normally I can deal with. However 2 wars can change a person. He has come home this round in need of a space, a cave he can go to. Although I am afraid there is none. So I have tried to help him dig one out. Trying to give him his empty space.


It is hard to explain, although I know there is a Wife, or a Mom right need reading this....and maybe understanding what I am saying.

I have arranged a date tonight, maybe that will help. I think a ride on the bike may be in order....

Excellent Listen....

What a wonderful way to begin the day!!

Tesco does it again with New Order.
~Ceremony~This is why events unnerve me,
They find it all, a different story,
Notice whom for wheels are turning,
Turn again and turn towards this time,
All she ask's the strength to hold me,
Then again the same old story,
World will travel, oh so quickly,
Travel first and lean towards this time.

Oh, I'll break them down, no mercy shown,
Heaven knows, it's got to be this time,
Watching her, these things she said,
The times she cried,
Too frail to wake this time.

Oh I'll break them down, no mercy shown
Heaven knows, it's got to be this time,
Avenues all lined with trees,
Picture me and then you start watching,
Watching forever, forever,
Watching love grow, forever,
Letting me know, forever.



Tesco, and ALa-we missed you at the conference. We thought you would bring the music. There was NO dancing.

News?

When I woke this morning, I did the usual, grabbed my coffee and then turned on the news. I, for some reason was VERY insulted when the morning folks at FOX spoke about American Idol for 20-30 minutes. They were seriously discussing American Idol as though it was news worthy.

For the love of Pete.

One Day At A Time

Was Snyder gay? I don't rememeber. I do remember, Bonnie Franklin used to say "damn Julie" all of the time.

Position of The Week #18

Balasana (Child's Pose)

Balasana is a restful pose that can be sequenced between more challenging asanas.

(bah-LAHS-anna)
bala = child


Gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue
Relieves back and neck pain when done with head and torso supported

Anyone?

Is anyone going to BlogHer? I sooo wanted to go last year, and missed it. Anyone?

FYI

Did you know, you can get in trouble, while sitting in the corner?

Yeah, you can, it has been proven not once, but twice today.

Torrential Rains and Angel Food.....

Boudicca, brought up Tori Amos the other day, in a post about memorial, and remembering those who are left behind. It is raining, and I am finding us at the mercy of Casa De Dust-- yet again.

So, I get out my Tori Amos, and I think I have found the music for the day. Although, I am reminded that May is a hard month, it is the anniversary of my Mothers death soon. Today, while listening to Tori I too recollected moments, brief moments of laughter and smiles, and tears. Those last words I had heard from her. The words, which I thought I would not forget, have been clouded by the "real meaning"... Which at the time was too hard to say.

The moment, I sat down with my brother and asked with him to allow her to go. Only to have him look at me with questioning eyes. Knowing, that after he said them she would exhale one last time.

He said them. He told her "God would take care of us".

It was what she needed to hear.

And although she had been laying in her bed for days with eyes closed, and unable to speak, or eat or move.

A tear fell from her eye.

And She did it...one final breath.

One final goodbye.

And there were tears in the hallway.

And all I could think was, how absolutley beautiful she looked, finally free from pain.

And for a moment, I hated myself for telling my Brother to let her go, because it worked.

And she was gone.....

Time has passed, and the day to day seems to have gotten a bit better. However, the moments that you can feel the moment of loss, see it, and feel it. Those moments are fewer, but seem to get harder.

I will be returning to my Mother's kitchen soon. I have been asked to collect her posessions that I would like.

I want the Angel Food cake pan that my Mother baked my birthday cakes on. The angel food cake, that would sit upside down on the counter top on a glass coke bottle.

~ now where on Earth do I find a tall glass coke bottle.

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would kick this guys ass!

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would skip yoga, and go fencing.

Makes me feel....

There is some surreal shit going on here at Casa De dust.

It is May. This means Graduation announcements getting sent to the house at an alarming rate. SO, May means poor.


I was never much of a babysitter, I have had a regular employer since the age of 15. Well, until I became a "Stay at Home Mom".

However I did babysit, my cousins daughter, while I was in college. One time. She was 2.
Yeah the little rolly polly baby, has turned into a blonde gorgeous girl, and has graduated High School.

So I sit here and look at the picture, thinking......where did 18 years go?

Ain't That A Kick In The Head?

All Yaw'l, must head over to The Cat House. Offer her Congratulations on her Masters Degree!! Hooray, you did it. So wish i could watch you walk....damn. I am very proud of you!

Oh, and while over there, it seems as though Miss Cat, has not had the good fortune of sitting through "guy movies". Consider yourself lucky. Make some suggestions to add to her list.

I am honestly suprised, the girl has not seen Caddy Shack, but has her Masters Degree, where are your priorities?

(Personal note to Cat: Also after the museum trip, with the school children yesturday, your ovaries are probably disabled for the next 2 months, if you miss that "shrinking feeling" I have a bed here darling with your name on it. Though the toddlers are cute, they have been known to work as great birth control!)

That is what little girls are made of...

Pink Ninja spent most of yesturday, planting a garden with Dash and I. No, that is not the unusal part of the day. You see, she made a friend yesturday. After spending hours digging holes through the back yard, she managed to come up with 3 worms. She lost 2 of them while pushing them on the swingset. She did however, take the time to name all of them... Sherman. Yeah, clever for a 2 1/2 year old. She gave all of them a bath, and let them ride her bike. Heck she even kissed them. I did try and get her photo kissing the worms, but with the delay on my camera I missed it.

This morning, she is wearing a tiara, 2 tutus and a pair of Moms heels....

Now that is versatile.

Do You Know?

My Friend Air Force Family, write about sending a Husband away.

It sounds hard doesn't it? It is harder than you can imagine....

Trendsetter...Moi?

"Messy hair" and little or no makeup is "in" for Spring and Summer 2006!

-also "in" "the messy bun", which I mastered after child #1.

If you are not a Mom, and have no idea how to do "messy bun"....here are directions.

For Longer Hair: A Sexy-Messy Bun

"The idea is to give hair a bit of a roughed-up, textured, slept-on look," says Bean Longo, the Beehive Salon.

Step 1: Use a setting gel like the Fresh Styling Gel on damp hair and dry with a diffuser. However, if your hair is very straight, try a few hot rollers to get the texture you'll need for this look; just roll them halfway up in two-inch sections.

Step 2: Pull your now roughed-up hair back into a ponytail and secure with a covered elastic band. To give even more texture, use your fingers instead of a brush to comb.

Step 3: Depending on how much hair you have to work with, divide the ponytail into four, five or six sections.

Step 4: Wind up each section (visualize wrapping thread around a spool), creating a spherical, flowerlike shape. Secure the ends with bobby pins.

Step 5: Finish the look with a mist of hairspray. Bean recommends Fresh Poppy Hairspray.

I promise my way, is much easier,

1. wake up
2. pee
3. wash hands
4. grab a hair clip
5. put hair up
(combing hair not neccesary)

Now, if I convince the masses that overly thin, is a bad look. An extra 10-15 pounds is hot, stretch marks are sexy, and "looking spent" is foxy...I will be Queen of the land.

CRAP

TIME IS ALMOST OUT...GET OVER TO BASIL'S, AND ASK A QUESTION, ANYTHING, ALMOST ANYTHING.

YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT....

CRAP

Imagine Rain

This morning, "The collective" and I decided on a camping trip. So this morning while dressing, I made theme pick long sleeved shirts, and pants, for the hike you know. One never wants to go hiking and camping with the wrong clothes. I also spoke with them about the dangers of exposure, and they each picked a hat to wear. They even picked a wool winter hat for Mom.




So after all were dressed, a trip to the store was in order, so we set up a grocery store up in Pink Ninja's room, complete with a cash register, plastic food, small plastic cans, and boxes. Dash was the store manager, and a greedy one at that. Pink Ninja and I filled her backpack, until we could barely zip it.

PinkNinja, then insisted we bring 4 baby dolls camping with us, Pink Ninja is brave. I tried to tell her 4 babies in the woods would be a lot of work, but she could not leave them.

So we packed the rest of our supplies, pots, pans, bottles, spoons, plates, sleeping bags, flashlights...


We trekked to the living room, to find a nice even, and clean site, and set up the Dr. Seuss tent. Dash was in charge of the fire pit. Which he was very particular about, it took at least 30 minutes for him to decide he wanted the cooking area flat and symmetrical.



Pink Ninja, was in charge of tucking babies in the tent, gathering bottles, and toys, and books for each of them.

Dash ended up cooking most of lunch, and fed 3 of the babies...

Not a bad day here at Casa De Dust, and the lunch of whole fried eggplant, and tuna and tomato soup was the best lunch I have had in years....

Today I did not mind the rain....

Third Eye

Every night I sit in the rocker recliner, and I read to "the collective". And during story time, there is a spot on Pink Ninja's forehead, that even at 2 1/2 is baby soft. Baby skin. It, is the softest skin I have ever touched. I sit and rub this spot, and eventually she will relax. I have noted, over the last couple of months-however, it is changing. It is no longer baby skin.......not as soft, it is disappearing. So now, every night when I sit, I contemplate skipping it entirely, because one of these nights "the spot" will be gone. The last of the baby skin in the house will be gone.

Last night, was no different, I turn on the lamp, and we sit in dim light and begin to read. My Dash, wraps his little hands around my forehead, and leans into my face . He then says, Mommy your forehead has wrinkles that look like a rainbow".....

I wonder what my own Mother would have thought of my baby skin evolving into a rainbow of wrinkles?

One of The Sweetest Voices...

It is Saturday, and that means hunting music here at Casa De Dust...

So, most of the morning I have spent listening to Rilo Kelly, who I have mentioned here before.

The great news is lead singer Jenny Lewis, has released a new album without the other members of Rilo Kelly. The new album, Rabbit Fur Coat by Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins.

The new album is simple, not gospel, not country, not pop, not folk......I am in love with this....TAKE A LISTEN..I think this song, probably is my favorite, she sounds amazing!!

If I Were Emma Peel.....

I would seriously run over to SWG for this fish out of water tale.

All of them

Joisey Jimbo's first day snooping

Socailizing

The answering machine

lastly

Scoots PeaPatch...

Sisters in Arms...

One of my favorite things about the mil-blogging conference, the women. The Angels, and the Wives, the Mammas, the Organizers, the News breakers, the Women in Uniform, the menders, the Filmmakers, and the Volunteers. What an inspirational bunch.

I really was proud to stand by you, and sit by you, and talk with you.

Brave women, all of them in their own rights. It seems as if those, that have been hit the hardest had the biggest smiles of all.

I got to thank a lot of the Soldier's Angels. I tried to make a point of thanking each one of them.

You see, when my Dear Husband was deployed for 18 months, I prayed for the best, and prepared for the worst. There were days, I was afraid to come home, or watch the news. There were the 72 hour blackouts, in which these families would be receiving notification of deaths....

I did take comfort in knowing an organization like Soldiers Angels existed, and that, if something ever did happen. I knew I could call on them. Because I knew I would not know what direction to go. I knew they had my back. So honestly, there were certain things I did not look into, that I probably should have. Simply because I could not bear the details. So my plan seriously included, calling Soldiers Angels if something happened. Those are big shoes to fill, and ladies, it is a lot for me to ask of you. However it allowed me to preserve what was left of my optimism.

The best part is, we did not have to ask you to serve us. You did it, because you knew we needed you. You knew what "we needed", when we did not, or could not bear to think about it. That is truly amazing.

My Family thanks you.



*apologies to anyone inadvertantly left out of this post, 200 people in 72 hours..ouch*

EUREKA!!

Found Over at Gaping VOID!! I think I have figured out how to make money at blogging!!

Come on already, I know you want to....

So the interview at Basil's place is round the corner. Questions close on 5/7....so hurry already. Ask me ALMOST anything. Boxers or briefs? DO I floss daily, what habit of mine most infuriates my Dear Husband? Get all of the extra boring details.

You know you want to.

*readers please note, if I only get 5 or so questions, I will die of embarassment, you do not want me to die do you?* >(There are children here that need a Momma, and DH is really too young to be a widow. )

Surely, Shirley

So, Uncle Jimbo made me an offer to be my t-shirt babe. Despite what he says "about me using smoke and mirrors".Uncle Jimbo, are you calling me a liar?

Now, I get this photo in my e-mail...hmmmm curious....

I am sure Uncle Jimbo sent it, in effort to appear more "toddlermom friendly"...
attached with it was a note that read.

"If Special Forces guys can wear prod-uct in hair, I can drink Shirley Temples."

signed-

not Uncle Jimbo

So I wrote the following reply~

*the job is yours if you want it*

signed-

not AWTM

Slow Dive

Last night, I was talking to my Sister in Law. She is by trade, and education, an elementary school teacher. She has 18 days left, until school is out.

T'was, a great reminder that summer is ALMOST here....damn summer and its hot temperatures. If this summer is anything like last, we will soon be sufferring 100 degree temperatures, with 97% humidity.

This means one thing, swimsuit season has happenned upon me.

Not exciting news, despite all of my hard work and efforts, I am not anywhere I was hoping to be.

The good news is, last years suit, a little big.

The bad news is, I spent a small fortune on the darn thing.

The good news is, I get to go shopping.

The bad news is, I will be standing under 500 watt light bulbs in front of a 360 mirror, in a swimsuit.......

What a frightening way to spend an afternoon.

Wrong Side of the Bed.....

I think as adults, we have "bad days". The days where we are not oursleves, grouchy, and unsure why. These kinds of days are often referred to as "I should have stayed in bed today", "waking on the wrong side of the bed".

Yesturday was one of those days for Dear Dash. Pink Ninja has few of those days. Oh she does have them, just not often. So I count on Dash to have a bad day at least once out of every 9 days.

It is sad to me, they are so frequent, and that somethimes NOTHING helps.

So yesturday, I had to plug in harder than normal, and tell him, even Mommy and Daddy have bad days. I also feel it is my job as his tour guide of this planet to teach him how to deal with bad days. I am no expert, I retreat on bad days.

Today seems better, there are art projects, construction paper, scissors and glue, boxes that were sitting in the garage with no purpose. We are "making creations"....

He is quietly cutting, and sitting. Pink Ninja chewing on crackers as a mid-morning snack... fighting sleep. You see Pink Ninja needs a nap every day at 10:00am. She rarely gives in to the sleep beast. She will fight her way out of a nap, before giving in....

And Mom, well even though I literally "rolled" out of bed because I am fighting my own beasts of time and gravity, it is a good day.

Twisted...

Heat is used in Bikram Yoga in order to allow you to go deeper and safer into a Yoga Pose. Your body becomes more flexible in the heat and since most poses used in Bikram are physically challenging, heat allows you to get into a pose that you never imagined you can do. It also eliminates the risk for injuries, promotes sweating and helps you release the toxins in your body. The poses not only work on your muscles but also your internal organs. Each pose stretches and strengthens your muscles, joints, and ligaments and, at the same time release the toxins and work on your internal organs like the Glands and the Nervous System.
Last night I attended yoga,at the studio. No pilates, no yolattes, straight yoga. Bikram and Ashatanga styles ruling the evening. A very hard practice last evening. I was pushed hard. I woke this morning sore. A lot of twisted poses, which help release toxins.

Have you ever had a deep tissue massage, and woke up feeling like you have been beaten?

I woke this morning feeling like that.

Yeah, I know hydrate. Just when I think I am strong, and fexible, I am reminded that I have not been working myself hard enough.

Ask Me ALMOST anything......

I signed up to be interviewed at Basil's. The questions close 5/7, so hurry and run over. I would be truly embarrssed, if there were no questions.

Oh, and you can ask almost anything. ALMOST..

Position of the Week #17

"Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. (author unknown)"

Some call it King Dancer, others Nataraja-asana

The King of the Dance Pose
Translation: The Sanskrit word nata means dancer and raja means king. Nataraja is another name for Shiva, the Lord of the Dance, whose cosmic dance is the creation and destruction of the world.

The pose is gorgeous, even when not done as well as the young woman in the photo, it is a gorgeous pose.

Perform the nataraja-asana gracefully as if dancing, yet firmly with focused attention.

This posture helps to strengthen your sense of balance and concentration. The arch formed by the back and stretched leg gently aligns the vertebrae of the spine restoring suppleness and easing strain caused by poor posture or long periods of sitting. It tones the muscles of the hips and legs as well as stimulates the chest muscles.

In need of Prayer....

Tonight I am sitting here in my kitchen, trying to read some of the folks I met at the mil-blogging conference. So I go over to Most Certainly Not, and find Greg.

It seems Greg is 34, served his time in Iraq, and has just been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Say a prayer for him, and his family, and send a card, or note

Greg - Room 336
Wesley Medical Ctr.
5001 Hardy St.
Hattiesburg, MS 39402

I know you all will do your absolute best

Thank You

Awww

While my Sister was here visiting, we also took Pink Ninja and Dash to the zoo!!

I will leave the light on

So I watched the car drive up the lane, and they were gone. Pink Ninja and I left waving at the moving car. The sky blue, the birds chirping and my jasmine vine blooming...


I had the pleasure of playing hostess to very good friends.

I hear a tap- tap -tap on my rear kitchen door, and I peek out and see Tammi!!! So I go out and hug her, and drag her in my house kicking and screaming. I always forget how absolutely tall Tammi is. DH, walked in the kitchen, and I said..."I told you she was tall". DH who is a hugger, gave Tammi a big squeeze. Yeah, I think he hugged her first. That may be a first in herstory.

That One Guy, stopped in again. Always a great guest, he was immediately grabbed by Dash and pulled into playing trains. Dash also greeted T1G, by saying, "I defeated you at air hockey!!"

We got to dine on my meatloaf, a couple of cocktails followed and then cherry pie.

Bedtime was late, and Casa De Dust smallish, so T1G got the couch. Tammi got to room with Pink Ninja. (personal note to Tammi...did you knock your head on the petite chandelier?) I guess Tammi slept well. T1G claims I have a ghost, he did not sleep well and heard knocks, and noises all night. That, is just Great T1G, no ghosts, until you bring them from Illinois, or Austin or wherever you folks have been . On second thought, while T1G and Tammi were in Austin, they went to Stevie Ray Vaughns resting place. Heck maybe the house is now haunted by Mr. Vaughn now. I do not think DH would mind, but I for one, ain't a fan of hauntings...

This morning, it was coffee, breakfast, and watching Pink Ninja curl up on Tammi's lap, Dash making contraptions for T1G, T1G making paper airplanes for Dash. More coffee, and more Army Wife stomping her feet, "do ya have to go"?"

Safe travels, enjoy the meatloaf sandwiches, and when tired, pull over.

Oh, and I have lived down South for a while now, so I can say this

"yawl' come back now ya hear"