SMOKIN'

I will admit I am proud to be a reformed smoker! I have been smoke free for 15 years now and feel great about it. Although, I agree there is no worse than a anti smoker that is reformed. We tend to hate smoking worse than those who have never smoked! I am a pain to be with, especially if we are in a crowed area and I have to breathe the smell of smoke. It must be a guard against liking it to pick up the habit again. I try to forget the day I was so addicted to this habit that it controlled my life. Nicotine was the hardest thing I ever had to quit.

Although I do have a husband and son who continue to smoke, I prefer they do not pollute my air with the nasty smoke. I argue and complain to them all the time and it becomes an on going joke to them.

I am not a hypocrite as some may call me. I just choose not to be polluted any longer as I have chosen to free myself from this addiction. It was hard and I don’t want to slip again.
Many people smoke because they like the taste and it calms them. That was my big excuse. A lot of smokers smoke simply because they really do enjoy it despite the consequences. Then the anti-smoking crew should keep quiet! Right?? Doubtful…
Those who once smoked are the ones who are the ones making derogatory remarks each and every time they see anyone else smoking. I do not do this. I am not one is who is rude to others in regards to smoking. I just wish my family would be more respectful of my choice to quit and stop smoking in my space.
Many of us reformed smokers think we have to educate the world on the dangers of smoking. I have tried to talk my husband into longer living, better health and endangering the kid’s lungs, so he should quit! My dad died as a life long smoker and had complications is his older years with breathing. It was sad and I don’t want my husband and kids to go through this. Because this does not just affect the person it also hurts the rest of us family members to have to watch them suffer.
For us reformed smokes out there, here's a Newsflash: Smoking is still legal. As much as we wish it was not option to our loved ones, we will continue to bitch, moan and carry on until we get you to stop. Why? Because I love you!

LIFE IS GOOD

WHAT are you doing?
What ARE you doing?
What are YOU doing?
What are you DOING?

You know if you place the emphasis on a different word in the same sentence it alters the meaning of that question. Kind of like life~ If we are to switch up any day, it changes the entire structure. Just by changing the arrangement~ For instance: a conversation at the post office, a visit to the mall, a day at work, erase a trip to town, pencil in a 10 minutes extra to the YMCA, and it’s amazing how different the outcome could be. The routine you make, the places you go the people you see and talk to all matter on how your day begins and ends. This also affects every single person you touch during that day. So if you skip the talk at the post office; you could have missed encouraging that person. If you erase the trip to town; you could have missed the moment awaiting you there. It is kind of like the movie “A Wonderful Life.” How does your life and agenda affect others?
This is a powerful thought. I can think back to many times and places where I have made a difference some ones life and outcome could have been life altering. It brings me to the current thought~ how much do parents effect the growth and future of our children? The every night tedious routines we complain about all day, really matters~ Assisting with home work, attending sports and functions, bed kisses, little hugs, words of encouragement, compliments and even discipline… All of this which seems like small insignificant gestures does add up to who our kids will be! Kids need structure and need consistency of love and support. For those kids who never are nurtured, encouraged or loved, how will they become loving parents to your next generation? Raising kids is more than paying for food, clothes and a place to live. You can be the poorest and still be a great parent.
Some nights I am so tired and don’t want to help with homework or listen the small arguments of 6th grade life~ But if I don’t listen and take the time, who will? I am fortunate to have the patients and love in me to want to be a parent. I feel blessed to have these qualities. I know many kids don’t have this and then we wonder how the world is filled with such evil. It all starts within our selves…One gesture does make a huge difference in a person’s life.

So make today count. As it might affect a ton of people you touch today.

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world."

Football Boys!

FOOTBALL

Baylee and Collin love football. They practice hard and play a good game. The 6th grade team has won all but one so far. I love to watch and support the kids in all sports. I must admit football isnt my greatest sport. I am not real good wih the rules of the game. I just watch and take as many pictures as I can. After the game I tell him how great he did. Isnt that what counts anyway? Some parents go on and on about the plays and what they could or should have done. I am the greatest fan but couldnt replay a moment of the game if I was asked to. I am the mom watching the pile on the field wondering which kis is mine. They look all alike in the uniform with helmets covering the heads. I will admit I sometimes watch a player snapping photso only to find out later it wasnt my son..

I know we all do it! Its the love you have for your kids which makes the game so much fun to watch! keep playing hard and I will be there inthe stands watching you and snapping the photos of the moment.

Reading obsession

Many people made this reading goal at the beginning of the year. Some said they wanted to read 50 books this year. My goal was to slow down a bit. I read so much it really is an obsession of mine. When I start a new book I always have the next one after it ready to read. I love to find an author and read every book they wrote. I love all books and can’t read enough. My purse must be large enough to hold the book I am currently reading. Some go for looks or brand name but my criteria are size! I go in spurts with the type of books I read. I love romance. This week I am reading the Twilight series. It is very good and a bit drawn out at times. I am on the last of the books and am looking forward to the end results of if she turns vampire or not! I really like the wolf, Jake. I am sure before the book ends he will find his mate. I love my friends to talk about books with me too as I get so involved in the plot that I sometimes forget it isn’t real. You mean men aren’t as romantic and loving as my books portray them to be?? Geez! My husband laughs as he knows what type of book I am reading by my mood. If the male character in the book; is good or bad. LOLMy family laughs at me as i can read anywhere. Mowing lawn, taking a bath or standing in line. It is always good for spare time. I can say i am never bored.I have so many great book buddies that exchange books with that is a very cheap hobby to have. My bedroom has become the library of the house and one whole wall is book shelves with my favorite book and authors. They are "MUST READS." Which is books I have read and read again. Keeping a book journal is the best idea I have come up with. I log every book I have read by author and date it. This way I know what I own and what I have read. You won’t believe when I re-arranged my books how many copies of the same book i had. I also help for me to know when to re-read those books. About every two years.So i know I sound crazy but everyone has a hobby and mine is like a trip around the world. Sometimes I am in Rome with the Greek Gods and others I am on a Ranch with the cowboys. It is always on adventure and great entertainment. And yes, my library card is well used!

BIG FISH STORY

You have heard of the fish who got away.

We were at the Fox River resort down by the river. A lady was fishing and caught this big Carp. Anyone who fishs must know they taste awful. So kaleb volenteered to toss it back into the river for her. kaleb had quite the hold on his fins and tried to toss him in and he slips out of kalebs hands and drops to the ground. He was big and heavy. It was so funny to watch kaleb pick him up. He was very nervous at first touching this large fish. Collin was happy to stand by and watch. After two tries kaleb managed to get the big fellow in enough water he could swim away. true story with a picture to prove it!

Stephen and Michela

My Stephen has found a nice girl with a crazy sense of humor. Michela is always laughing and bring sunshine where ever she goes. They make such a cute pair. She is really my sons sweatheart. It is such a wonderful feeling knowing my son has found some one to warm his heart and make him feel good and happy. As parents we all want the best for our kids. Partners who are good for their self esteem and make them truly happy! She is a loving christian girl and is beautiful inside and out. I am so happy for them both.

AMBOY CLIPPERS

Collin is now a football player. His postion is lineman and his goal is to gaurd the ball by blocking anyone in his way. His first game was great! They won and he played Awsome! Baylee had a touch down! GO Clippers! It is a big commitment and lots of running. It is a bit tough with practice everynight. Collin has done great and is really getting into shape with all the conditioning at practice. I am so glad he found a sport he really enjoys. I love being a football Mom!

Zoey

The tragic story has come to an end with sad results. Collin’s little kitty traveled to work with me in my car with out my knowledge. She ended up surviving the 14 mile ride to work and wandering the parking lot of my work place. A couple of employees found her and brought her into the building to find the owner. Several people were willing to take her home until her owner was found. Unfortunately I did not know she was found at work until Saturday when I posted a note on Face book that she was lost. Several notified me she was found at work and took home by a fellow employee. Collin was so happy he would get back his kitty.

This kitty is named Zoey and has the best personality. She plays in the house with Woody, our big tom cat. She runs the house all day and is so playful. She naps with Collin is adorable with her blue eyes.

When I arrived at work on Monday the person who took her home would not give her back. She said she fell in love with her and could not part with her. This became an issue with me. I was dumbfounded someone could be so cruel and keep a Childs pet. She was very adamant that it was her kitty now and would have a better home with her. She was attached and that was the end of it for her. So I went to HR to see if they had any influence over getting this kitty back for my son. Unfortunately, they had no better luck than me in persuading her to do the right thing. My next step was to call the Peru police to see what my rights were. The police department was very friendly and said they would call her as this was a civil matter but they would try to make her do the honorable thing.

Once again we were disappointed as she refused the suggestion to return the kitty to Collin. I can not believe there is such mean people in the world and would purposely hurt a child to keep what is rightfully not there’s.
She told the police if she lost something she would expect to get it back but this situation is different because she is in love. She doesn’t consider the kitten is so sweet because my child has poured loved and attention on to her daily for the last 3 weeks of having her. This was his birthday present from a classmate and it is a sad ending.
I am told what goes around eventually comes around and I would like to think that the world is fair and everything happens for reason.
I pray Zoey will have a nice home with this person and grow to be an old lazy age like our cat Woody. Love was enough to get her and let her go..

Our Soliders

At my place or work, tons of magazines float from one desk to another in the building. I have become a fan of the outrageous gossip and love to see the photo or write up about the rich and famous. I hardly ever buy a one myself but the need to read is in my system. As viewing many magazines last week; the largest and only track of discussion was directed to the death of Michael Jackson. Many were titled “the tribute” or the “death of the Pop king.”(not that I didn't like Michael Jackson...I used have a Thriller poster hanging in my bedroom along with several of his albums) but I felt this coverage was too much for one person. Although I read them all as I feel this ridiculous need to see what's going on in the world, I also found it sad as the focus was directed only on Jackson.
Someone pointed out that since Michael Jackson's death that 20 U.S. soldiers have died but that none of them are being featured in any magazines. These are the brave men and women who are risking their lives to save our country and not one word did I read.
This terrible feeling stuck with me all day and rest of the week when Jackson was plastered on tv’s and news stands.
While weeding through my email I came across an email that was forwarded for tribute to fallen soldier, Sergeant First Class John C. Beale from Georgia. We had another fallen solider closer to my home town in Ottawa this same week. His name is Spc. Chester Hosford who also was killed in Afghanistan.
I have a strong pull to read all of these emails as my son was in the National Guard for a year before he fell sick before his graduation from basic training.
Anyway this email contained a tribute to all of the soldiers. It is very emotional to see each one fighting and giving everything for us. The conditions they serve or lack of while the country mourns the singer; who mourns theses fallen brave men? If you have a moment, watch the attached link and listen carefully to the words. Taps always makes me cry.
Here are the lyrics from the first song:
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,But if dying's asked of me,I'll bear that cross with honor,'Cause freedom don't come free.
God bless all the soldiers and the families of the fallen!
A tribute to Sergeant First Class John C. Beale

The water fights at Buffalo days were a blast!

We had a good time. We walked away loosers but we gave it our all.

I dont look too bad in a fire suit! lol

SNAP IT

Stacy, Steve, Julie and Jill


Alyssa and Aunt Julie

Snap...

Julie, Stacy, Jill

Photography is very popular with the young and old. Cameras range from the super fancy to the throw away cheap ones. I love to take photos and scrap them. My kids know that I always have my camera ready for that special moment. Although I am quite the picture girl, no one compares to my sister.

Jill loves to snap photos of herself and anyone close to her. I don’t mean people have a special meaning, I mean distance. If you are standing with in reach of Jill, you will be forced to smile for a picture. She then views the photo on her digital camera and if it is good of her; you’re done. But if the photo is not up to her liking; another photo will be taken. You do not get the option as she only truly cares if she looks good. Very true and we all love her for her honesty. She then will post them on face book for everyone to view. But don’t worry as it is a private site where only her closest 500 friends can see them.
So when you hear the famous saying “a picture says thousand words” this could be absolutely true if that snapshoot wasn’t so great of you! So beware, if you see Jill, get ready to smile.

Can you say NO..
I have been swamped in every direction with questions I want to say NO to but hesitate and then guilt myself with why I should or shouldn’t do it. I beat myself up and ponder it over and over. Some things should be easy to say no to. But I am a pleaser by nature and it comes by very hard to do.
Remember when you were little and asked for something and your mom said, "We'll see," it was always better than a flat out, "No." Much like “maybe” it feels like it could happen. “I will think about it" gives you hope when you ask for something.
These types of responses are a nicer way of saying “No” and are easier to hear than the actual thought going through your head. It is hard to say no, and much easier to brush off the question with a maybe.
I am a MAYBE abuser. I use it all the time. My son pointed it out to me this week that I never say YES right away. It got me thinking why I do this. Is it that hard to say No or Yes to a direct question??
As a mom, my kids are always asking questions which in return would make me add more to my to do list, so I find myself using theses responses instead of simply saying NO. I want to be involved and please them but time is a huge factor in today’s time or lack of time. My schedule is already so packed with the activities there is no room for much more…
I hate to hurt my kids feeling and make them feel bad! It is also reality (Larry’s favorite word) that we cant say yes to everything but using these push off responses gives them time to forget the request or desire. lol
Being an avid book reader, I found this book by Mary Byers, "How to Say No ... And Live to Tell About It." I haven’t started to read it yet but I hope it can teach me something. She is a great author and very funny. I see her at a Christian concert in Wisconsin a year ago.
I will let you know how it goes. But until then I will try to be more firm with my answers…doubtful!

Little bunny Fo Fo hopping through the forest….

Collins class trip was in Princeton was to the conservation center on the out skirts of town. Actually they should have told us it was swamp land and we could have come prepared with old shoes or boots on. This took place in a large pasture adjacent to the woods. After 3 days of non stop rain the place was a mud pit! Of course when you put 500 kids in the mud you get muddy kids! They were pushing and stomping through the mud and it was quite the scene. Not one of us came home untouched or clean.
The sun came out and started to dry things up a bit.

The presentation for the day was wonderful. The kids learned about wild life, natural habitat, fish, turtles, mud, types of dirt and electricity. There was an art center where they made necklaces out of wood and rolled acorns in peanut butter for the birds.

Recycling and the Teepee (Indian facts) were the last events of the day. The kids love the races with garbage and the facts about Indians. They got to hold and pet baby wild life. Collin fell in love with the bunnies. The possum was a bit disturbing as it crawled on the handlers neck and licked her.. Uugghh… Way to friendly for me! But the facts were enlightening and who couldn’t love a baby coon? They were adorable.

The day was a bonding experience with my son and his class. The kids were all well behaved and enjoyed being away from school. Actually they probably learned more this day than they did all last week in school combined. Fun facts are always better to absorb!

Field trips are so much fun they should have them a few times a year!

5Th grade class photo

Take 10 minutes out of your day and do
something childish... immature... impractical.
Here's to the kid inside of all of us."

Party Time!

The Fireman draw down was Sat night and we all had a very good time suportting the cause. Jill brought her camera and snapped several shots all night. Some good some not so good...

We all had way to much fun and suffered some ill health the next day for our over indulgence. The band was great as SLOW TUESDAY entertained us with music.

It is good to kick it up every once in awhile to prove to yourself that your not to old to dance and laugh it up.

Our Anniversary

March 24th 1990 we married.
This year was our 19th anniversary. Happy Anniversary to Us!
One more year of ups, downs ins and outs…And here’s too many more…

I made a promise, before God and men, that I would love you through thick and thin. For better or worse, comes blessing or curse, to have and to hold, and together grow old. I loved you then and I love you still. I promise again: I always will..


FUNNY THOUGHTS AND JOKES ON MARRIAGE

Marriage is a three ring circus:engagement ringwedding ringsuffering

The honeymoon is over when the husband calls home to say he'll be late for dinner and the answering machine says it is in the microwave.

Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage.They've experienced pain and bought jewelry.How do most men define marriage?A very expensive way to get your laundry done free.

A little boy asked his father, "Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?"His father replied, "I don't know, son, I'm still paying for it."

Love is blind, but marriage is an eye-opener.
Before marriage, a man yearns for the woman he loves.After marriage, the "y" becomes silent
The most effective way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once

Words to live by: Do not argue with a spouse who is packing your parachute

Marriage is grand -- and divorce is about 20 grand.

Married life is very frustrating. In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens. In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens. In the third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen.

When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife.

A guy went to a party without his wife. He heard another guy say to his wife, "Pass the sugar, Honey." and "Pass the honey, Sugar." He thought this sort of speech is a good idea.The next morning when he and his wife are eating breakfast, he said to his wife, "Pass the bacon, Pig."

A couple came upon a wishing well. The husband leaned over, made a wish and threw in a penny. The wife decided to make a wish, too. But she leaned over too much, fell into the well, and drowned. The husband was stunned, but then smiled, "It really works!"

Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, He goes Fridays.

Getting married is very much like going to a restaurant with friends. You order what you want, and when you see what the other person has, you wish you had ordered that instead.

Love is one long sweet dream, and marriage is the alarm clock.

It's not true that married men live longer than single men, it only seems longer.

Before marriage, a man will lie awake all night thinking about something you said.After marriage, he will fall asleep before you finish.

Explorations

Spring is right around the corner. I can’t wait for good weather. I can’t truly state that I am sick of the winter and cold weather.
I took the boys to Pizza Hut this on Saturday for the “all you can eat buffet.” I am telling you this is the way to go when taking boys out to eat. I met my sister Missi and her husband Barry for lunch. Little Philip is getting so big. I spent more time playing with him then I did eating.
After lunch we ventured to the Red Covered Bridge in Princeton to check out the creek and see how high the water was. The water was moving quickly and was high but not over the bank at this time. The boys enjoyed exploring the area. It was evident that the creek had been over the bank recently as the ground was still soggy and debris was everywhere. As they checked out the creek and it gave me a great opportunity to snap some photos. It is hard to believe how fast they have grown and how big they are getting. It is so fun to look back a year ago pictures to see the change. I mailed off a few pictures to Stephen to keep him up to date on his brothers. He would have loved to navigate this exploration with his brothers. After all pictures were taken and the boys completed there hike we headed back home to relax and enjoy a movie.
Nothing beats relaxing weekends with the boys.

Happy Birthday Kaleb

Kaleb turned 13th on March 3rd. He is now a Teenager! He is pretty excited about that fact too. He is now hoping to get taller so he is not the shortest in his class. He has started weight lifting so when Stephen gets back he can show off his muscles. I think he believes this will help him gain muscle and make him look bigger. We have marked a growth line on the kitchen wall to measure his height over the next year. We are thinking positive! Overall Kaleb is very healthy. He is also doing much better in school. He has made a huge turn around this last nine weeks with his attitude and motivation to get his work done. Growing up is a big responsibility!
We went to the Fox River resort for Kaleb’s birthday. We stayed in the condo and the boys had a blast. Kaleb brought 3 friends with him to celebrate the event of turning 13! (Leo Lopez, Julian Gonzales and Preston Powers) Collin also was allowed to bring a friend so he would leave the older boys alone. He invited Andrew Lopez. It was a very fun weekend swimming, playing video games and hanging out. Larry and I relaxed and enjoyed watching the boys play. The indoor pool was a huge crowd pleaser. They played hours of football in the pool and other various games, which included dunking each other and racing across the pool.The weekend was chilly but that didn’t detour the boys from taking walks and having fun.
On Saturday the Boys Scouts had a hike at Starve Rock and Larry accompanied Collin on the hike. Andrew went along for the hike and fun. They hiked 7 miles and then cooked over an open fire. Collin completed many of his requirements for “tender foot”. It was a cold weekend but they survived and seemed to have a good time.
I have posted a few fun pictures I took while we were at the resort. The kids truly were very good and had a great time.
A big Happy Birthday to Kaleb our Teenager!.

Another update

Stephen called home on Monday night to let us know he is on the mend. He has finished his meds but is still using the inhaler at times. He says his strength is coming back and he isn’t as tired. He definitely feels much better.
He is back to doing full days of training and is healing well. He really likes his new platoon and the guys in it. He says they all look up to him for support and advice. The sergeant also puts Stephen at the front of the lines for leadership. He thinks it is definitely easier the second time around. He likes his new barracks as he is in with 14 guys and getting to know them well. His last unit he bunked only with one solider as the big room was filled up. He says this makes a big difference how well you get to know your platoon. God is working in his life and scheduling things according to his plan. Stephen has accepted the delay in graduation and is enjoying the extra experience and training.
He says to let everyone know he really appreciates the letters and the prayers. He wishes he had time to write everyone but time is so limited. Please continue it keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you everyone!
New Address:
PV2 Cromwell
C CO 3-10 INS BN
4th PLT
495 Iowa Ave Unite 35
Fort Leonard Wood Mo 65473