Road Trip!

Kendra, Kim and I dropped Mac and Paul at the airport this morning. They are heading to Colorado to pick up the last of our stuff that we had to leave in storage when we went to Germany.

The girls and I got on the road today as well.  In El Paso tonight.  Nice hotel. We arrived early enough to catch a movie "P. S. I love you".  I loved it..

Two more days and us girls will be back in Alabama.  Taking the "scenic" route... which really just means, we're taking shorter legs this time than when we headed out to Phoenix.

More later.

The Challenges of Geography

No girl, I did not see ya....I am in Mississippi, lol so you missed me.
Have a good nights sleep when you can.

Hugs
erica

 

Erica, for some reason I thought you were near Mobile, AL and that is where I waved.. LOL.  I'll wave at you on my way through Mississippi.

 

Sherry,  I drove down along the east coast (sort of)... through VA, NC, SC and a snip of Georgia into AL.  I didn't think I was close enough to MO to wave.  But I'm waving at you now!!! Did you see?  LOL

 

Christmas is over.  So much to say, but can't really devothe the time now because I'm on dial up and I just don't have the patience for the lap top.  My typing goes to crap when I have to use the lap top. 

 

We are all healthy and at this point, looking forward to getting back to our own space. We will be back in AL by middle of next week, but it will be another week after that before we have internet back into the house.

 

All y'all are going to have to remind me that I have stories to tell... LOL

In Transit

Mood: Harried

We have brushed the dirt off our feet from Pax River. The graduation was nice and the visit with Paul's parents was pleasant for the most part. I'll give details once I'm back on my own computer with some semblance of privacy.

We have been through Ft. Rucker already and Paul has signed for our new (to us) housing. I like it, it's pretty good size and I think we'll be able to fit all our furniture.

We are heading to Phoenix now, currently mid way through Texas and getting ready for the last day of this drive. 

Can't wait to get to Mom's and not have to sleep with the kids anymore. :)

Still don't have all my xmas shopping done.. that sucks.  And it's hot down here... what happened to winter

Hey Erica, I waved as I drove past your area of AL...;)  did you see me?  LOL

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehn, Good bye

I'm sneaking away from my work for just a few minutes to say So long for now.  Paul is taking the kids to the guest house because they have ceased to be useful in the preparation of the house for moving.  They got their rooms done and did what we asked them to all day long, but now it's just easier if they are out from underfoot and Paul and I finish up the rest.

I still have a lot of sewing to do to finish up these Christmas gifts, but I think I will manage.  The hard part is that I still need the sewing machine for a few more items and they are going to want to pack that up tomorrow.  I may need to carry my machine with me at least for part of the time.  Too bad they don't make a disposable sewing machine.

Well. .the other option is to cut bait and just buy gifts for the four ladies I didn't have time to make these runners for... It wouldn't be the WORST thing... And it would save me from any more sewing at this time.  I can finish them up in Alabama and send them out ahead of next year so they get a larger amount of time to use them.  I've almost got my self talked into that....

I've been Elfed!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1212326407

Okay.. so maybe not me so much as my tribe.  For your dancing pleasure, I present my lovely babies and their Daddy. 

he he he....

Der Schnee! Der Schnee!

Mood: Flabbergasted!

Since that little mood slot up there doesn't ever have the exact mood I'm in, I've decided to start adding my own.

It is snowing today in Southern Maryland.  I watched the news this morning while Kimberly was getting ready for school ... .at 6 am this morning, we didn't have snow, but they were predicting it.

I had to leave the house around 9:30 am to pick up our other car... still no snow.. but it was cold and overcast. After picking up the car and sending Kendra off to school (YAY for having a second driver when Paul's not home), I went off to Walmart to pick up a few essentials.  By the time I was done in Walmart (and it was a reasonably short trip), it was snowing outside. Lots and lots of little snowflakes.  Nothing accumulating.

I was torn between heading for home (I had no coat... why I left the house with no coat, I couldn't tell you... I chalk it up to 24 winters in Phoenix) and making my last stop at JoAnn Fabrics for more batting.  Knowing that I couldn't really finish my sewing without more batting I decided to make the stop before coming home. 

Leaving Joann's I noticed that the snow was really coming down! The flakes were bigger and there was a bit of a wind to boot, so I felt like I was in a big snow globe.  I ran into the Pizza Hut that was right there and grabbed two personal pan pizzas for lunch (for Mac and I).  The Pizza guy told me that the internet weather site is predicting snow through the weekend.  Now normally this would be kind of cool... but since my packers are coming on Monday to pack and loading my stuff on the truck on Tuesday of next week... I can't say that I am particularly thrilled to think it's going to snow all weekend. Movers are NOT exactly known for their consideration of water absorbing furniture.

My forecast says something different.  Sun all weekend long.. rain on Tuesday. Not exactly much better, but I'm hoping that my forecast is more accurate.

Christmas Meme

I am a fugitive from my continuing sewing projects (although I have gotten 5 of 11 gifts done), here's my take on the latest Meme to hit the journal airway.  ;)

 

 

1. Egg nog or Hot Chocolate?    

Hot Chocolate, and the best I ever had was in a pub in Amsterdam.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?     Santa uses wrapping paper with santas on it.   3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?     My deal with the lights is that they have to twinkle, I don't care what color as long as they are twinkling.   4. Do you hang mistletoe?   What? and give the Nargles a chance to invade my home? No, but I did notice that our neighbor hood trees have mistletoe in them (Mistletoe is a parasitic plant).    5. When do you put up your decorations?   Typically I put up the decorations during the T-giving holiday (when I'm officially allowed to start singing Christmas songs), but this year.. with the move, we're not decorating OUR house.    6. What is your favorite holiday dish?     dressing cooked in the turkey with giblets.   7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:    Waking up early to find that Santa had been to visit.   8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?   I'm not sure that there was ever a big announcement.. there just came a year when I was a teenager that the presents began showing up under the tree as they were purchased and wrapped.   9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?    We do.  Since I was a child, our family always opened one. I had to fight Paul on this, but we've continued the tradition. We allow the kids to open one gift under the tree on Christmas Eve that has come from out of town to us. 10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?   First, we all drink some rum eggnog.... no .. lol.. we decorate as a family and as each ornament is hung on the tree I tell the kids whose ornament it is and what it represents (I have collected an ornament per kid per year since each was born). When they finally move away and decorate their own trees, they will have this beginning group of ornaments to start with. Hopefully, the stories will be remembered and shared with their families.    11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?   I love snow!  I miss it when we don't have any, but honestly, I've spent more Christmases without than with (I'm from Phoenix).   12. Can you ice skate?   I've always enjoyed ice skating, but I took lessons when I was pregnant with Mac, so now I actually can skate without looking too foolish.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My engagement ring. :) I received it Christmas 1979   14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?   Time with family.   15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Christmas colored Jello poke cake. My SIL would make this layered cake that had one layer of red and one layer of green. It was frosted with whip cream.  I love this cake.     16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?     Taking the kids to buy their father's gift. My dad used to take us to buy my mom's.  Now I take the kids to buy Paul's. We have a fun time, deciding what he'd like and then we go to lunch.   17. What tops your tree?     Most years, it's the Angel from mine and Paul's first Christmas.   18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?     I love giving, especially when I know I have managed to get just the right "surprise" gift.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?  Mary Did you know? and O Holy Night   20. Candy Canes?    We usually hang candy canes on the tree. The kids like them.   21. Do you feel Christmas is too commercialized? Or is it still magical for you? No retailer in their right mind would shy away from promoting their goods during such a time, so I can't really blame them. I think that for our family, commercialism hit a peak a few years back and since then we've made a decided effort to scale back.

Sewing, Driving, Moving

This is a drive by posting.. ...

Kendra is a licensed driver now and has gone out twice without parents in the car.  She is feeling all growed up! LOL... and .. hey on the plus side, I now have someone (besides Paul) to send off for bread, milk, etc.

I am sewing like a crazy woman.  I planned on making table runners for all the adult females on my list.  That is 11 runners.  I am hoping I have them just about done when we leave here (at least the machine sewing part, I can do the last of the hand sewing as we drive cross country).

Movers come Monday Dec 10... I'm going to be pushing it close.. but I think I can accomplish it all in time.  Paul has already set up a day by day calendar of what I "should" try to work on each day to be ready by the 10th.  Thank goodness one of us is organized!

21 days and counting.

Paul is home from France.. he brought presents (clever man).  He brought me a lovely Monet day planner for 2008.  Kids loved everything he brought them. He also brought me chocolates.  YUM... but I wish he hadn't..

He arrived home last Saturday.. told of his adventures..especially the culinary ones... he loved Pau, France and would be happy to return there anytime (so much nicer than the Parisians he says).  Sunday morning he gets up and wanders to the scale. He says "I didn't hold back while eating in France, so I'm sure I've gained some weight.. I want to see the damage."    He steps up.. watched the numbers... pauses ... and says.. "Hm... I've lost two pounds."  

So I'm sharing my chocolates with him... :)

Movers are coming to pack us up in two and half weeks, graduation is at the end of that third week.  It's coming fast and furious.  So... I'm taking a leave of absence from Journalland.  Alerts are off until I land in Alabama sometime in early January.  

I hope that all of you have a fabulous holiday season.  See you in 2008!

 

This , that and another thing

I haven't heard from Paul since Monday... not an unexpected thing.. but I did write last night and was hoping for some sort of response.

As often happens when he's gone, things have been going haywire. My van needs new brakes.. I'm convinced of it.. so I'm driving his car now.. and the dang Check Oil light came on.  I have an appointment tomorrow to take care of that... but the brakes are waiting until he gets back.

Kendra and I went up to Walter Reed yesterday to check in with her doc, Dr. Cartwright.  We were crossing the t's and dotting the i's before we move from the area.  Unfortunately, the exit plan includes AT LEAST two more trips up to WRAMC. Still, at least we'll be leaving here with a completely clean bill of health and/or a plan of attack for anything not "right".

Trying to get enough driving time under the girls' belts so they can test for their licenses before we move.  Kendra is good to go, I think.. we just need the final certificate from the driving school so she can go and test. Kim may not be ready to test before we leave.. it's just been too hectic to get the hours behind the wheel that she needs.  My goal with her at this point is to at least get the driving school certificate done so she has that in hand when we arrive in Alabama. I don't want to have to pay for that school again.

My friend's sister's biopsy results are back.  There was cancer in ONE lymph node, but the rest were clean.  She started chemo and radiation therapy today.  The doctor is optimistic that things should go well.   She has a lot of faith in her doctor and I think that is a good thing.

20 question once a month meme from Dawn (she promised)

Dawn has created a new 20 question survey.  The questions look pretty good, so I thought I'd play along.

1. What is one movie you know all the words to?  I don't know all the words to any movie, but my favorite line comes from "The Truth about Cats and Dogs".... "Nothing that an AK 47 and a tower couldn't take care of"

2. What is the last thing you bought for yourself? two quilting magazines

3. If you could be stranded on a desert island with someone who was really attractive or really humorous who would you choose and why?  At this point in my life, someone humorous. Being stranded on a desert island is going to take some humor.

4. When you look at a person what is usually the first thing you notice about them?  How they hold themselves is usually something I notice. People with very open body language are the ones I tend to be attracted to first.

5. What is the meanest thing you've ever done to someone?  Betray their trust in me

6. Do you prefer to dress up or wear comfortable clothes?  I love the opportunities to dress up.

7. What's your most embarrassing moment?  Thankfully, my most embarrassing moment occurred when I was too drunk to really remember it well.

8. Are there any quotes you really love that you think apply to life in general?  Eleanor Roosevelt "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

9.  What's one dessert you've loved since childhood that you still like now?  Chocolate cake

10. Is there any significant event from your childhood that you believe has effected you today?  There was a bullying incident (I was neither the bully nor the bullied) that happened when I was in 8th grade. I stepped in to protect the bullied girl. The bully backed down. That was pretty significant. I learned that I had the power to change things.

11. What is the last song you caught yourself singing?  I've had the phrase "this innocence is brilliant" from one of Avril Lavigne's songs running through my head since Saturday night.  

12. If you had to cast someone to play you in a movie who would you pick?  Janeane Garafolo

13. Do you have a list of books you haven't read yet?  I keep a list in my head of books I want. It's not very efficient and some books get stuck on that list for a long time (poor memory recall in the book stores).

14. What are some of the one's on your list?  Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich,

15. Who do you consider your role model?  My mom and dad... They taught me how to love and they did a pretty dang good job of it.. because without the ability to love.. what else is there?

16. Is there anything you would change about yourself physically?  LMAO.. where to start? My temper, my weight, my nose... in that order

17. What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?  two pieces of advice I received have been incredibly useful over the years.  The first came from my SIL when I was dating Paul. "Jealousy is a wasted emotion. If he doesn't want to be with you, being jealous is not going to keep him."

The second I learned from a spouses class I received in the early days of Paul's Army career. This was a class on group dynamics. "Ten percent of the people you meet are going to like you no matter what you do, ten percent of the people you meet are going to NOT like you no matter what you do. The rest can be swayed by the majority."   Odd as it may seem, this released me from any need I felt to please everyone.

18. What's the worst piece of advice you've ever been given?  To accept that some things just happen.

19. Is there anyone from the past that you'd like to see again?  There are a ton of people I'd like to see again from my past.  Just to SEE you know? But I think the one I miss the most is my best friend from high school. We haven't talked since 1993.

20.  What's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for you?  After Kendra was born and she was in the NICU in Wiesbaden before we were med-evaced back to the states, my dear friend Janelle would enter my house every afternoon and start a meal on the stove for Paul and I.  We would arrive home, tired, confused, and hungry and there was something hot and smelling good every night.  I'm not sure that we would have eaten at all without her care.

Alexandria Ghost Tour

It was a cold and dark night.....

We were bundled up in warm clothes...

Ready to hit the trail to find the ghosts of Alexandria.

Our guide, dressed in period clothing...

Proceeded to take us down the dark streets and alleys...

We learned of the ghost that haunts the old Fire station (that is now a private home...

She died in the water, an apparent suicide, but was brought to the old Fire Station in an attempt to arouse her.  It was unsuccessful and ruled a suicide as her death occurred on the day her ex-fiance wed another

When the Firehouse was later converted into two apartments, this is when the ghost began making her presence known.  A faux wall (non-weight bearing) was put up to divide the dining room from the kitchen, it was set where the old firehouse dining table would sit.  The woman was laid out on this table while trying to revive her.  Although the wall served no other purpose, it began to show a water stain.  Tenants would complain and the landlord would check for leaks in the ceiling/attic.. and finding no source for the water, he would replace the part of the wall with the stain.  Within weeks the stain would begin to appear again.

One young man that lived there, invited his girlfriend and her folks over for dinner one night.  The parents suspected it might be the announcement of an engagement. But as the champagne was poured, one of the flutes was suddenly lifted and thrown against the wall where the stain had been growing.  The intended fiancee ran from the apartment and refused to go back in.  She told the young man if he was going to marry her he had to leave the apartment... He refused.  He said they could not allow their lives to be governed by her fears. 

Three other tales of ghosts were told... all very long.  Our final destination was the old graveyard.  From there, our guide bid us goodnight and the three of us headed over to the Starbucks for hot chocolate before heading home.

5 things Meme

I have about 40 minutes to kill before the girls and I go to Alexandria for a ghost tour (we're gonna also take pictures at the cemetary, hoping to find some more orbs.)  Thought this might be a fast fun way to kill a little time.

Meme: 5 Things...

A. Found in my room

1. boom box

2. Paul's "love me" wall

3. My cutting table

4. Chinese Apothecary Cabinet

5. two small bookcases filled with books

B. I have always wanted to

1.  Take Ballroom Dancing lessons

2.  Finish my accounting degree

3.  Have more kids (because three just isn't enough)

4.  Live by the beach

5.  Live closer to family

C. Found in my Bag
1. cell phone
2. wallet

3. key to my mom's house

4. gum

5. receipts from weeks ago

D. Found in my Wallet

1. Driver's license

2. Military ID

3. Cici's frequent buyer card

4. credit cards

5. library card

E. I am currently into
1.  Making gifts for Christmas

2.  The Ranger's Apprentice

3.  Getting all our appointments made before we move

4.  Sorting through all the clothes

5.  the National Symphony Orchestra

 

F.  Non Family/Friends Phone Numbers in my Cell

1. Paul's work

2. The Driving Instructor

3.  The High School

 

OK, Your turn (if you haven't already done this!!)

Guest blogger- Paul on his mate

Russ had the most fabulous idea.  He thought I should have Paul answer the mate questions and post them here as a "guest blogger."  I sent the questions off to Paul and he so very kindly answered them.   Here is his note...

1. Who is your mate?

My high school sweetheart, Estela

2. How long have you been together?

nearly 30 years

3. How long dated?

4.5 years

4. How old is your mate?

47 by years, 30 by beauty, 20 when she giggles

5. Who eats more?

me

6. Who said "I love you" first?

Close enough to be simultaneous
7. Who is taller?

me

8. Who sings better?

her

9. Who is smarter?

somethings her, somethings me

10. Whose temper is worse?

same

11. Who does the laundry?

her

 

12. Who does the dishes?

kids

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?

her

14. Who pays the bills?

both

15. Who has bigger feet?

me

16. Who has longer hair?

her

17. Who is better with the computer?

me
18. Who mows the lawn?

me, when we have one, her when I'm gone

19. Who cooks dinner?

her

20. Who drives when you are together?

me

21. Who pays when you go out?

me
 

22. Who is most stubborn?

tie

23. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong?

her, when it happens

 

24. Whose parents do you see the most?

mine

25. Who kissed who first?

I kissed her first

 

26. Who asked who out?

she asked me out

27. Who proposed?

No one, it just happened

28. Who is more sensitive?

she is

 

29. Who has more friends?

she does

30. Who has more siblings?

tie

31. Who wears the pants in the family?

she does

Text a "thanks" to the troops

All you text loving cell phone users.. here's a chance to say thanks to the men and women that stand in harm's way.  And you should get a response back.. :)

 

Americans Can Text ‘Thanks’ to Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley / American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2007 - <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = CH />For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation to troops serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than “Giving Thanks,” a new initiative from the Defense Department’s America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. “This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology,” said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison. Between 6 a.m. Nov. 17 and midnight Nov. 22, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief one- or two-line message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember. “We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country,” Barber said. “We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, ‘Thanks.’ “The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops,” Barber added. Those who send a message during the six days of the “Giving Thanks” program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There they’ll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They’ll also be able to read messages from the troops. Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: “Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless.” Members of Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: “To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You.” Barber is hoping troops around the globe will participate, as well. Troops serving anywhere in the world can e-mail a brief message to americasupportsyou@osd.mil to communicate their gratitude for support from back home. Responses must be received by Nov. 9. In an effort to reach the Hispanic community, which is represented in large numbers in the armed services, America Supports You is working with Interlex, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm with multicultural capabilities. “What we are doing is complementing the general market efforts to mobilize the Hispanic community to become involved in America Supports You,” said Rolando Rodriguez, Interlex’s managing director for public relations and community-based outreach. “Obviously that’s important because many Hispanics do consume different press than the general market would.” The firm’s goal is to inform the Hispanic communities that a number of Hispanic youth are serving in the military. “There (also) are a number of Hispanic families that (will be) impacted during the holidays because (the servicemembers) are not sitting at the table with them, so it’s important to show their appreciation,” Rodriguez said. He added that his team is working to get the message out to the Hispanic communities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas through Spanish-language media outlets, as well as entertainment and sporting venues. These are the same types of venues that will carry information about the America Supports You “Giving Thanks” program to the general market.

Tags: Text the troops

America Supports You

A couple of notes from my last entry got me to thinking so I started checking out a few sites. Please understand.... everyone should do what feels right to them.  Most of my support goes to local programs and/or to units that are deployed with folks that I know ... this way I have a point of contact for sending items. But for those of you that don't have family or friends in the military, some of these other organizations may be the only way you can show support. 

 I did want to share a recent story that had help along the way BECAUSE of the "America Supports You" program.  I wish the final outcome for this family had been better, but at least they had (and continue to have) support when they needed it most.

Communities Embrace Texas Family After Tragedy
By Toni Maltagliati / American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2007 - <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = CH />Troops in Iraq know too well how quickly life can take a wrong turn. An outpouring of goodwill and support from the public is helping one wounded soldier and his wife cope with a tragic loss. For Army Spc. John A. Johnson, the fifth improvised-explosive-device blast he experienced in Iraq, in August, was the one that caused traumatic brain injury that landed him at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for treatment. Two months later, when he was being discharged, his wife and three children left El Paso and headed east to meet him. Then fate took a deadly turn. Driving in the Dallas area Oct. 13, the Johnson family vehicle crashed and rolled. Two-year-old Logan and 5-year-old Ashley perished in the wreck. Tyler, age 9, was critically injured with brain injuries that left him comatose at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, where he later died. Johnson’s wife, Monalisa, was in the intensive-care unit of an adjacent facility, Parkland Hospital, with back injuries. With electric speed, the military and civilian communities pulled together to carry the soldier and his family through their losses. The Warrior and Family Support Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, part of the military’s wounded warrior transition network, worked to get Johnson to his family in Dallas quickly. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, the Brooke Army Medical Center Warrior Transition Battalion was doing all it could to help Johnson. Calls were made to community groups, including groups that support the Defense Department’s America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. The Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program, an ASY supporter, provided an airline ticket for Johnson to fly to Dallas within hours of the accident. Army Staff Sgt. Eugene Schmidt, a platoon sergeant with Company C of the Warrior Transition Battalion, accompanied the Army cavalry scout. The two men stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, near the two hospitals. “His wife was in the hospital for two days,” Schmidt said. “So we went back and forth between the two hospitals.” The Army sent Wounded Transition Battalion Chaplain (Capt.) Bryan VanPelt to join the family. Operation Homefront has chapters in many states and is a supporter of America Supports You. “The case manager at the hospital (in Dallas) contacted our Arkansas chapter,” said Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront Texas interim chief executive, and executive vice president of operations and development, referring to Operation Homefront Arkansas. The Johnson family is from Benton, Ark. “First we set up a fund for the family and put a notice on the Texas chapter Web site,” Palmer said. “We’re one of the charities of the PGA Tour. They got the information and distributed it through their contacts. Within 24 hours they had raised $45,000.” Soldiers’ Angels, also an ASY supporter, provided hotel stays as needed for the Johnson family, including the soldier’s mother and grandmother, in Dallas, according to a Brooke Army Medical Center official. Soldiers’ Angels officials went to the hotel to give the family funding for food and other necessities. Another group, Operation Comfort, paid for gas the family needed for a rental car. The Dallas Veteran Service Organization and the Veterans of Foreign Wars prepared meals for the family. Monalisa Johnson recovered and was discharged. The Johnsons buried their two youngest children in Benton, Ark., Oct. 23, then returned to their son, Tyler’s, bedside. As doctors reduced the boy’s circulation to prevent brain swelling, his limbs were cut off from oxygen and it looked like he would require several amputations. Johnson was able to spend time with Tyler as he lay in the hospital bed. “He was at the hospital with him, talking to him,” Schmidt said. “Every day the doctors said, ‘He won’t make it through the night; he has only a 2 percent chance of making it.’ After a while they accepted it.” On Nov. 3, three weeks after the crash, Tyler died. The cavalry scout and his wife are determined to prevail over this tragedy, Operation Homefront’s Palmer said. “They’re amazing,” she said. “To see them holding hands and comforting each other is amazing. I’m really impressed.” The outpouring of support has been extremely helpful, Schmidt said. Nobody takes care of wounded American soldiers better than Fort Sam Houston, he said, adding that corporations and the troop-support organizations have spared no expense to ease the Johnsons’ burden. “PGA Tour has raised $95,000,” Schmidt said. Some of the money raised was donated to Operation Homefront Texas, which in turn bought the Johnsons a car. Another car company donated a second vehicle, Schmidt said. American Airlines gave them tickets; Hertz and National provided rental cars, Schmidt said. Another nonprofit group, Hope for the Warriors, paid for the hotel room in Dallas, he said. Many in the extended military family are reaching out to the Johnsons, he said. “The first lady called, then the vice president’s office,” Schmidt said. “They have been checking on them. People at the Pentagon are checking on them.” Though Johnson has been discharged from Brooke Army Medical Center, it’s not clear if he will rejoin his unit, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “He’ll be re-evaluated,” Schmidt said, “because of everything that’s happened.” America Supports You was launched three years ago this month with a handful of home front groups and corporations willing to reach out to the extended military family. "If this tragedy had happened before we had the America Supports You program in place, we wouldn't have been able to energize the community to provide the support required," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison. Barber is also the architect of America Supports You. "Now, even though we can't make everything right for the family, at least we can help connect them to as much assistance as humanly possible." A permanent memorial is planned at the school where the Johnson children were students, at Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Palmer, of Operation Homefront Texas, said. Biography: Allison Barber

Tags: America supports You

Finding new ways to show support of our men and women in uniform

I have received a couple of e-mail forwards now that make the suggestion to add "any recovering soldier" to your christmas card list to show support. I hate to be the wet blanket on this grand idea, but cards and packages sent to nonspecific personel will not be delivered.  Here is the notice that is posted at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center website:

Support A Recovering American Soldier

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Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. Instead of sending an “Any Wounded Soldier” letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the "America Supports You" website, www.americasupportsyou.mil Other organizations that offer means of showing your support for our troops or assist wounded servicemembers and their families include: http://www.usocares.org/ http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/ http://www.redcross.org For individuals without computer access, your local military installation, the local National Guard or military reserve unit in your area may offer the best alternative to show your support to our returning troops and their families.  Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual. As Walter Reed continues to enhance the medical care and processes for our returning service members, it must also must keep our patients and staff members safe while following Department of Defense policy. The outpouring of encouragement from the general public, corporate America and civic groups throughout the past year has been incredible. Our Warriors in Transition are amazed at the thanks and support they receive from their countrymen.

 

Should you receive a similar e-mail, please help spread the word that cards and packages cannot be delivered to "any soldier".  Then please direct people to organizations that support our military members.  Thanks!

Tags: any soldier, Walter Reed

Mate meme

Picked up this meme over at Dana's spot: Mate Meme . Considering Paul's recent departure and the "drama" that occurred... this might not be the best time for me to complete this.. but I like to think I'm fair-minded... let's see how it goes.

1. Who is your mate?

Paul

2. How long have you been together?

Dec. 31 will be 30 years.  Married for 25 years

3. How long dated?

Two years . Engaged for 2. 5 years. 

4. How old is your mate?

46 

5. Who eats more?

Whoever's had the most stress that day. Typically, though.. his portions tend to be bigger than mine.

6. Who said "I love you" first?

After this long, I can't remember....The important thing is that we've never stopped saying it.

7. Who is taller?

Paul is.  He's 6'2" and I'm 5'2".  (in my defense, when we started dating he was only 6 ft tall)

8. Who sings better?

He thinks that I sing better. When we first got married, I used to sing him to sleep every night. Since he's still with me, I guess it wasn't too bad, huh?

But I love his voice too. When the kids were babies, he'd sing to them and it was heaven to hear.

9. Who is smarter?

Depends on the topic. We'd make a kick-ass team on Jeopardy.

10. Whose temper is worse?

His temper is just as bad as mine, but I have a much shorter fuse.

11. Who does the laundry?

LMAO... after Tuesday, you can rest assured he isn't doing it anymore.  

12. Who does the dishes?

This is why we had children.  The kids take turns. Once they move out, my money is on Paul doing the dishes
 
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?

He sleeps to my right.
14. Who pays the bills?

He pays the long term bills, and I pay the household bills.   

15. Who has bigger feet?

Comparatively speaking, I think that I do... I wear a size 9... he wears a size 10 (which is kind of small for his height).

16. Who has longer hair?

Hands down, I do.. even at it's shortest, my hair is still longer.

17. Who is better with the computer?

Paul.. he amazes me with what he can get our computers to do. 

18. Who mows the lawn?

here's the funny thing.. I actually LIKE mowing the lawn, but Paul does it whenever he's home (although he hates it) because he thinks it's "his job".

19. Who cooks dinner?

I am head chef, he's my "go for" chef... when he's not available, Kimberly fills his role.

20. Who drives when you are together?

Depends on where we are going and to whom arriving on time is more important.  Otherwise he drives... I think it's a control thing.

21. Who pays when you go out?

50/50 split... sometimes he does, sometimes I do

22. Who is most stubborn?

he is... I will often give in to him just to end the damn fight.

23. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong?

I am seldom wrong, but I am the first one to apologize for an argument.

24. Whose parents do you see the most?

We come from the same home town. We usually stay at my Mom's place because there is more room, but I think we do a good job of sharing the time equally.

25. Who kissed who first?

He kissed me... that is what completely won me over. Never before and never since have I ever been so impressively kissed.

26. Who asked who out?

I asked Paul out first. I had been invited to a New Year's Eve party (77/78). The idiot I was dating at the time decided to pout that night and wouldn't go. So... as a last resort I called my good old buddy, Paul, hoping that he didn't already have plans. He didn't.  :)

27. Who proposed?

I honestly don't know... we dated for so long...I think there just came a point when it was "a done deal".  But I got the official engagement ring on Christmas of 1979

28. Who is more sensitive?

I cry more.. so I guess that means I am

29. Who has more friends?

 I do.  Paul is the consummate introvert.

30. Who has more siblings?

We both have two siblings. He has two older brothers and I have an older brother and younger sister.

31. Who wears the pants in the family?

As my children love to say "Daddy wears the pants in the family, but Mommy makes the rules."  LOL  

Who needs divorce when you have military separations?

Paul headed out yesterday for his 10 day whirlwind flight exercise in France. 

Before he left, he managed to shrink everybody's red clothing. Perfect timing on his leaving if you ask me.

By the time he gets back, I will no longer be steaming about this. I will also have instituted a "don't let Dad do the laundry" policy in our house.

And do you know.... he actually tried to spin that situation so it was somehow my fault?  LMAO.

I reminded him as he was leaving that gifts from Europe are always welcome.  Think the hint was strong enough? Guess we'll see how strong his survival instincts are. <evil laughter>

I should be sleeping but... Survey Time

Found this at Joann's Another Survey , who found it at  Survey says........................

 

1.Do you wear a name tag at work?

Nope, at "work" everyone knows my name <wink>

2. What kind of car do you drive?
Pontiac Montana... I think

3. What do you order when you go to Taco Bell?

Bean burrito and an apple empanada

 4. Have you ever had a garage sale?
yes, it's a great way to get rid of stuff

5. What color is your iPod?  I don't have one
6. What kind of dog do you have?
For a few more months, we don't own one.
7. What's for dinner tonight?  Chicken Cordon Bleu, mashed taters, green beans
8. What is the last alcoholic beverage you had? Miller Lite

9. Stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone?

gave the number to friends. (I consider my cell phone as MY way to stay connected to the kids and Paul... I do not like having the "what areyou doing, I don't know what are you doing?" type of conversations on it. )

10. Last time you were sick?
Earlier this year, but can't remember the details now.

11. How long is your hair?  to my bra strap

12. Are you happy right now?  It's 3:35 in the morning.... Happy doesn't begin to cover it.

13. What did you say last?  "Goodnight cutie patootie" to my daughter Kim
14. Who came over last?  UPS guy, he was delivering my Christmas cards
15. Do you drink beer? Not as often as I should

16. Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted?  Not that I can remember, but chances are good we told my baby sister she was. :)

17. What's your favorite key chain?

Picture key chain of the kids and me during a visit to Sea World

18. What did you get for graduation?
I can't remember.... I already had a car...

19. What is in your pockets?
No pockets at the moment. Most timesit's wads of tissue

20. Who introduced you to Dane Cook?  A Movie?

21.  What's your favorite pasta topping??  Red Spaghetti Sauce
22. Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear?

No, but Kim has sculpted me angels out of sculpty clay before. ;)

23. What DVD is in your DVD player?  Season 1 of Enterprise

24. What's something fun you did today? Played catch out in the park with Kim and Mac
25. Who was the principal of your high school?  I think his first name was John...

26. Has your house ever been TP'd??  It was a rite of passage with the ROTC group that I "ran with"

27. Why do questions always turn up missing?  People are not adept at cutting and pasting.... at least that's my theory!
28. What are you listening to right now? miscellaneous house noise

 29. Drinking? Nothing, my hope is to go back to bed and stay asleep ;)
30. What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart?  I don't know if it's a favorite, but I always go check out the new DVD titles
31. When is your mom's birthday?  January 2
32. When is your birthday? June 13

33. What's the area code for your cell phone?  301
34. Where did you buy the shirt you're wearing now?
Lane Bryant's

35. Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror?

Normally there isn't, but right now I have a MacIntosh Apple air freshener (long past it's prime) hanging.

36. How many states in the US have you been to? 25, I only included the ones that I spent at least 48 hours in...and I underlined the ones that I ever actually lived in, just for fun. Which ones? California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Dakota, Washington State, Washington,DC, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada

37. What kind of milk do you drink? skim milk.

38. What are you going to do after this? go back to bed

39. Who was the last person you went shopping with?  Son Mac.. he's grown over 2 inches since Labor Day and everything was too short on him!
40. What is your favorite fruit?
watermelon

41. What about your favorite dessert? homemade chocolate chip cookies
42. What is something you need to go shopping for?  hair dye
43. Do you have the same name as one of your relatives? Yes, but not on purpose, and mine is spelled differently

44. What kind of car do your siblings drive?  my brother has some kind of mid-size car, and my sister has a buick

45. Do you like pickles? I can eat pickles, but I don't seek them out.
46. How about olives?  I can eat green olives, but don't care so much for the black ones except on pizza.
47. What is your favorite kind of gum?  Spearmint Dentyne

48. What is your favorite kind of juice?  I'm not a big juice fan, I'd rather eat the fruit.... but if I drink a juice, it's usually orange

49. Do you have any tan lines? I think I'm still sporting a "farmer's tan"
50. What hospital were you born in? Good Samaritan Hospital

51.  What are you going to be for Halloween? Halloween passed, I did not dress up this year.

52. Do you remember the name of your kindergarten teacher?  In Arizona in the 60's, kindergarten was not a requirement to go to first grade.  so I didn't attend kindergarten.  My first grade teacher was Mrs. Rue

OK, YOUR turn.... leave me a link so I can go read yours!!