tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17866994639933262792024-03-19T03:21:22.819-07:00Military Chaplain's WifeLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-6659343461439996002013-09-28T15:08:00.000-07:002013-09-28T15:08:06.057-07:00Welcome Home & Happy Birthday!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today our oldest son, Karl, returned to the great state of Texas, ended a six year career in the U.S. Air Force, and is celebrating his 26th birthday! What an awesome birthday present!!</div>
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Son, we are so proud of you and the wonderful, godly man that you are. You were a great asset to our military, and I know you will be missed greatly. Thank you for serving our country, and for doing such an awesome job at it!! I know you are thrilled to be back in the great state of Texas again, where you can be close to family. We are thrilled to have you so close by. I know the last six years haven't always been easy, but you've always maintained such a great attitude. You are loved more than words could ever express, and 26 years ago your dad and I were blessed beyond measure when you were born! We love you dearly! Happy Birthday, Mom and Dad</div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-753678659790134152013-06-08T12:02:00.001-07:002013-06-08T12:02:15.126-07:00More on the twins<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PROM 2013! So proud of these boys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dillon and his date, Ivy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darby and his date, Savannah. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their favorite picture!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys will be boys!!<br /><br />I thought I better start documenting the boys' junior and senior years since they'll be off to college before we know it! We had such a fun school year watching them run cross country and track. They are quite the runners. It was sad to watch the track season come to an end because we loved going to the meets and watching them. They won many track meets, and ended third in state in their 4X4. They were disappointed, but it was extremely windy and the heavier boys seemed to get their day in the spotlight. haha! They were invited to the Meet of Champions though, and placed 2nd with all divisions present!! They had an amazing year, and we can hardly wait for next year. The football coaches saw Darby running and asked him to join the team...and he did. So, this year we'll get to watch football games (though I'm not as excited about that with the high risk of injury...but I'll be sitting on the side lines every game (praying! haha!). </td></tr>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-85322407291619205182013-06-01T08:06:00.000-07:002013-06-01T08:06:27.035-07:00My Handsome Twins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These are two pictures from their track meets this year. I love taking pictures where they have no idea I'm doing it. No smiles, as they're preparing to run, but I love the pictures. Can't believe we have only one more year...Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-39602088961426855182013-05-27T15:05:00.001-07:002013-05-27T15:06:34.103-07:00Remembering our Soldiers and their familiesI wanted to take a moment, though I never seem to have time to write these days, and say I'm thinking about our Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and their families, today. You're loved and missed more than words can describe.<br />
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-44796301725002524002012-07-10T18:55:00.000-07:002012-07-10T18:55:03.283-07:00Long time no writeSo much has happened since I last wrote. We've moved to a new post, and are finally closer to family than we've been in years! Just last week we spent five days in Cancun with my husband's family and ALL our children. Our oldest son was even able to come back for R&R from Korea and he and his wife were able to join us!! This was our family photo on the beach.<br />
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I can't believe our kids are grown like this! One of the twins was actually taller than our oldest son. That was pretty crazy to see when they hugged hello.<br />
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As far as what's taken place since last time I wrote, like November 2011, we've moved to a new post. We were only at Fort Bliss 18 months when they asked if we were willing to move to a new post. Of course we were willing...much, much, much closer to family!!! We bought a house, something I was thinking we wouldn't do until we retired from the military...but we're so happy we did. It's nice to have a home of our own again! SO NICE!!<br />
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It's also nice to have grass again, something we really missed in El Paso! The dog thinks he is in heaven since he's not had grass since he was 6 weeks old. It's funny that we can actually see a "smile" on his face now.<br />
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I'm still working for the same company I worked for in El Paso. I transferred here with a promotion, and LOTS of work. :) Still trying to adjust to all the changes. I moved here a month before the rest of the family to get through my OJT, for the new position, in the new area. It was a very stressful move to do it the way we did, but hopefully it made things easier than they would have been had I not...I guess we'll never really know though. Either way, we're here and settling in to a new home, routine and post.<br />
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I was thinking tonight that I need to get back to writing again. I really miss it. Even if nobody's reading, it feels good to put my thoughts down somewhere. :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-86821849706694046652011-11-17T19:38:00.000-08:002011-11-17T19:59:35.470-08:00I've run out of titles!...I don't seem to ever have much time to write these days and I MISS IT!!! I know I've said that before...several times.<div>I let my boss read some of my poems the other day and she said I need to get busy writing a book, and getting my poems published before someone steals them...I agreed. I told her I've wanted to write a book for a long time, and even started on it, but have never gotten far enough to matter. Life just seems to take over. </div><div><br /></div><div>I opened up my computer in hopes of finding my oldest son on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Skype</span>. He has been in Korea for nearly two weeks now. I miss him a lot. Even though we haven't lived close to him in years, due to us all being military, I think the fact that he's in another country makes him seem SO far away. Wait! He is far away. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">haha</span>. However, I have LOVED getting to talk to him, mostly just messaging, on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Skype</span>. I'm so thankful for that!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanksgiving week is coming up quickly. However, you would think Christmas is next week by the way the stores are filled with EVERYTHING Christmas...including the music <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">playin</span>' and the bells a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ringin</span>' and even caroling taking place outside the store, courtesy of the the volunteers with the Salvation Army. The boys and I had to run to the store tonight and we couldn't help but crack up laughing at the out-of-tune caroling that started as we walked by. It was just so funny I'm still laughing about it. Maybe by Christmas they'll have it down! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The last few months have been filled with my husband being in the field. I'm so excited to say <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">that will</span> be coming to an end, for a little while anyway, sometime this weekend!! I miss him terribly. I think that's the worst part about being military...some people might beg to differ, but I love spending each and every day (evening) with him. Sometimes I think, "One of these days I'll probably get used to it."...and then I think, "no! I don't want to get used to it! I WANT to always miss him being around any time he has to be gone! I'm OK with that!"...he's my best friend; what can I say! </div><div><br /></div><div>Our friend that I posted about just recently, who had the heart attack, is actually doing pretty well. It's truly a miracle that he is alive. Praise God! He has a long, hard road so please keep him and his wife - Eddy and Kathy Williams - in your prayers. Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I better get some sleep...work comes early. </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-56424217754283018572011-11-12T10:52:00.000-08:002011-11-12T11:05:40.151-08:00DeploymentsKSCE, a Christian T.V. station here in our town asked us if we would come speak about deployments, to be aired in honor of Veterans Day. After aired, they put their shows on YouTube. You can watch it by clicking <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/KSCEChristianTV?blend=3&ob=5#p/u/0/CKgIv6tRa5U">here.</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><br /><div><br /></div></span><div>To our friends who are enduring a deployment right now - we are praying for you and think of you so often. To our friends who paid the ultimate sacrifice during deployment - our hearts are forever touched in ways we can't even explain in words. We think of those men so often. We think of you and pray often for you and your children. Thank you all for the friendships, the laughter, the tears, the joys, the sorrows...all that makes each of us love a little deeper. We love you and our lives are forever blessed because you are in them, even though the miles separate us!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-78452298396729827302011-10-27T16:43:00.000-07:002011-10-27T16:48:46.453-07:00PRAYER FOR A FRIENDWe have a close friend that had a heart attack and has had some complications. This is from his post on the morning before it happened. I went to his blog to see if family had updated it with the news that he needed our prayers, and this is what I read (as I cried). God is good and he is holding on to life. We are just praying for a miracle! Please pray for his wife and kids as well. We love you, Eddy, and know God is walking with you through this!!<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#ffffff;" ><span><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Lets Finish Well</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Scripture</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Acts 20</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Observation</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">I want to finish well. I want my life to count for the kingdom. I don't want to retire. I don't want to slow down. I want to finish well. I want to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible. There has been a job that has been assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Do you want to finish well too? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Application</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Today I want to count. I want to make a difference in someone's life. How about you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Prayer</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Heavenly Father, I want to finish well. I want to complete my task. I want You to smile at my life. Don't let me mess up. Don't let me settle for something less than what You have for me. Put people in my life today that need to hear about You. </span></span></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-37646892694902582452011-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:002011-09-30T20:59:31.516-07:00All is WellWork is keeping me very busy, and tired, but all is well. Since I've written about our puppy, I have to tell you he is a sweetie! We all love having him around and enjoy taking him out to enjoy the great outdoors with us. Last weekend we were out off-roading and he was looking out the window and took a leap...all the way out...to the ground. Thank goodness it was a soft landing and I didn't run over him. I was really upset, thinking how easily I could have run over him...but he never made a sound, and came running to me all covered in dirt when I got the jeep stopped. I wish I had taken a picture of him all covered in dirt...but I had a little too much on my mind at the time.<div><br /></div><div>We've been spending some of our evenings out shooting our bows, preparing for hunting season. It's been a fun, and I'm finally getting a lot better at it...hitting the target every time. I didn't say hitting the bulls-eye, but am hitting the target! :) And sometimes the bull-eye! </div><div><br /></div><div>Our oldest son had a birthday this week. I REALLY miss him, and can't believe how quickly our kids have grown up. If you're a parent of a young one, hold on tight! They'll be gone before you know it!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah for the weekend! Now it's off to bed, to get up early to go scouting for our hunt next weekend. One of these weekends I'm going nowhere and doing nothing!!!...one of these days! </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-70880857790915299112011-08-27T16:25:00.000-07:002011-08-28T16:07:10.153-07:00Duke...<div style="text-align: center;">This little puppy is bringing lots of laughter and smiles to the family...</div><div style="text-align: center;">You'll see why... </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nB-oqyJX103SAMjgQM1n40XhpSOgHFN2yTax9LBx7BJ8QI6MGTYi9DAOhFQNExJjaruSFlerrmp0qTm_BmUtYnEkok93AXJm74JIS5_V70EDqiOduppOvR3jBs6qujm-pXWy1Bg1lgg/s320/7038403722169_ORIG.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646047192890302274" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-mCMR79Mi9dXacmT5nxHF5bMpZwJ7xITIlg_v7JRFDTlj0YgwR1pNFAjMwlDLSNadDMycA7WGytBIWB_jrKnj3o5od5r9FkZBE5vD74zovxCMY1Ng8T4-Vf4tNFi1uSJusfR8cn-O48/s320/IMG_2877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645684071975237762" /><div style="text-align: center;">He's sooo cute...even more so in person. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He looks bigger in the photos too, but I think this is a good picture to show his size...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz2ge87vSQZhrpOhqvSocUFjeTF5FSI7X4AdY0TMVf1RGnRm7gk3nGZ4gmHmexgiowJgsaHqySmx3gunCbqZbEMMbZQt7JeSTZjDQtZhzCCB-s9da6VNvxAWfQ_gj_f2S7gqBt5PzRrw/s320/IMG_2880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645683111961064946" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yVTtJAQpY5Ya471E3NqoUWTNkA6BSKrts7s9EUDQ5ost7PDzrY1N9iEAblwjIfoFkndBjq4rxNR3sZ_atCB58dFQipt1aWBl72T8jDRfC-aVqjxTrFeLKKGDZhf6Wx3XqLDBM4b60sk/s320/IMG_2884.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645681455920618898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">We took him for a day of fun out on the road. Our first stop...McDonalds. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This picture shows his size in comparison to a large cup.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeb6ETeFCBRq2muEy5U0AkPfUzMyGw0z_VGkYxl0rhLV1CdCSWGuKTckubTk_3uqxnHhAyJ7AwynPEKgKVMZO07W3gdaQgNAPv2pdga7bgmJFiPw62joof5qp9AYWw8ynbktBe2B5nmU/s320/IMG_2889.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645682436860460050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zoC8rC6YnL0xyceSHV_LRNBN9MMMJmoFny6ak_n-O53TJUwh6P39uWm7brCLtojBg37_FWVQSMLzVybYYeYJPt-OaMBQy4WgKnXVaCC9jgYbx_zUaiZHNbTHmaf7WyU0yszCmNQfVi0/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645681707717105186" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">He fell asleep on the road trip...several times! </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2HpllaKFGNpEp1ED2yUXWATeavYvMTQekyQSPcL5uJM6_f9136IBOJOPE4cLNPItSnX3Sh0FaQvxURHDujv5GSXGZ7aZpXEcQGT3yRV9kzRvuWmDHtqXOXDNi00aM-1s6ENTPqQYRKc/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645681598626735410" /><div style="text-align: center;">Is that not the most adorable sleep position?!?!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then the boys added the water bottle to his legs. hahaha!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvabUfMed18J4-IaiK6IErMkRSEaTRIp4pWeWC-fUh__mYoWG9n1FfatfAREYBnpJvFQh1_02EIo-T0TAxP8qb_dhS7IJSwDYUZ73eqLj6nSS19l9kFWrH6V-WxUjCGAZzKKyKs_tye9s/s320/IMG_2904.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645681806253112962" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-60447988801683375702011-08-22T19:41:00.000-07:002011-08-22T20:42:51.300-07:00A soon-to-be Addition to the Family<div style="text-align: left;">If you know me well, you won't be asking if I'm pregnant...since that's not even possible! And, if you know me well, you probably won't ask me if we're getting a pet...since we (my husband and I) haven't wanted a pet in MANY YEARS!!...but...well...we've finally given in to our BEGGING twin boys, asking OVER and OVER and OVER for a dog.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Early July, while a friend was here visiting for a week, we took her shopping and at this particular store they were having Adoption Saturday (if I had remembered I would have avoided). No, we didn't adopt a dog...but it began the begging even more so than in the past. I will admit, one of the dogs stole my heart a little, but I still didn't move forward with getting him even though the boys really seemed to like him too (we have, however, gone by to visit him several times at the Humane Society). We all agreed we weren't sure adopting was the best idea. I do love going to the Humane Society and visiting all the different kinds of dogs though.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then, after taking my husband to the Humane Society a few weeks ago, we started to talk about getting a dog/puppy and agreed on the same breed - a beagle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>This Friday we will get our little pup, one day short of eight weeks old. The boys agreed to help pay for him...and after much searching and weeding through so many scams, we found someone who actually HAD real puppies. I am still in shock of the scams. Note: Don't ever buy a dog without talking on the phone to someone!! We had so many conversations with people via email but knew better than to move forward without a phone call, but it's just amazing to me how many scams there are out there!! We'd get responses like, "I just moved and don't have a phone yet"...who doesn't have a cell phone these days? ...or wouldn't find a way to call if someone was going to pay you $$??? Or, "I'll call you when I get off work, but until then let me get your information so I can get everything set up to get the puppy to you..." Seriously?? Who would respond to that? Be careful!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>Anyway, my husband will be bringing our new beagle pup home by plane Friday. I told the boys he will either love or hate the puppy by the time he gets home. I imagine he'll have a few funny stories...but praying he (the puppy) sleeps for the short plane ride! :) He'll be flying in the cabin at my husband's feet! :) Can't help but laugh when I think about it...if you know my husband well, you're laughing too. The carrier had to be manly...and when I mentioned putting a diaper (yes, they have those) he refused. At first. When someone else mentioned it was a good idea, and gave him two, he took them. haha!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here's a photo the owner took for me last week...he looks bigger than he is in this picture. He weighs about 3 1/2 lbs. </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0z6bPHV9zkI-DDm7ffgyChyphenhyphenEla7OHlEvOqXHzlRvm5GrppEo581PzzrLqPOx_3Eojbn2Ek1tZveTvmAL8mqc-kzrIAw19QwUGtuwkn6cmoGbQfaPqN9j2E1Xh2faujjA7jfWZ5m08bg/s320/7038179333579_ORIG.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643888935625345714" /><div style="text-align: center;">Adorable, isn't he?!?! </div><div style="text-align: center;">We still have to decide on a name...(ideas??)</div><div style="text-align: center;">He kind of looks like a little bandit in this photo...hmm...</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-67184035789912981612011-07-30T20:09:00.000-07:002011-08-22T20:46:13.226-07:00Hooray for Vacations!Well, my first two weeks of work went really well...I survived! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">haha</span>!...and now it's vacation time for two weeks!! Thanks to my great boss, I was able to get it approved before starting work since my husband has block leave. We weren't sure when I'd start the job so I asked for it in my interview (if I were to get the job...) and my boss was nice enough to ask before calling to let me know they were ready for me to start. What a blessing!!! <div>
<br /></div><div>So, we're headed to Colorado as soon as our twins get back from their mission trip. They've been working on homes near Los Angeles for a week, getting up at 5:30 a.m. and hitting the sleeping bag on the floor around 11:00 p.m, with our youth group and World Changers. Think they'll be ready to take off for a camping trip? I'm thinking probably not...yet...so we'll be nice and give them one night's sleep in their own beds! :) </div><div>
<br /></div><div>We're ready to go! Hopefully they're not too worn out! </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-55931496978288780302011-07-24T17:42:00.000-07:002011-07-24T18:06:48.857-07:00Back to WorkLast week I started my new job in our new location. After being off over seven months - because it took nearly 4 months to even land a job - it was weird to be back in the office setting again. It was a tiring week, but I enjoyed getting to know new people. In the midst of it all, I've found it to be something I know was the Lord's doing, will and plan. <div><br /></div><div>If you know me at all, you know I'm a people person, and I'm probably more concerned about working with good, honest, hard-working people more than anything else. I had a busy, busy week but at the end of the week I could honestly say I am going to enjoy this job and the people I work with. That's a blessing! </div><div><br /></div><div>I do have to say though, it was not an easy thing preparing myself to go back to work after being off so long...I even cried a little. I have an elderly neighbor I make meals for and take places, and it was tough knowing I wouldn't be able to spend as much time doing so...I also like the freedom to spend time with my husband when he's home or going to battalion functions or chaplain functions...so many things to try to work around. But, God is good and I know He will give me strength to do whatever I need to do, and help me through the emotions and struggles that come sometimes with knowing I can't be a part of all the things I was before. And, in the meantime, when there's nothing else I have to be doing but working at my paying job, I'll be praying for all the no-paying jobs I have going on. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't say I'll probably not be writing as much since I was barely writing before...but we'll see. While I'm thinking about it, please be praying for my son as he nears his year long, unaccompanied tour to Korea this fall. Next month he'll celebrate his one year wedding anniversary, and then just a few months later he'll leave and have to spend a year away from his wife. We're sure not looking forward to going that long without seeing him either...</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, it's getting close to a new work week...and then it's two weeks vacation with my sweet husband and the twins! :) I thank the Lord my company was willing to give me that time off before I even started...without pay, of course...and what a HUGE blessing since my husband spent most of this summer in the field!</div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-23539768802627005382011-07-06T08:24:00.000-07:002011-07-06T08:55:50.239-07:00Little Gifts from GodThere are moments in life where, if you're like me, you realize God gives you little gifts that brighten your life. It's like moments of sunshine among the clouds. <div><br /></div><div>Every day since our move from Fort Lewis, WA, I wake up to sunshine. It's still odd to me to have every day filled with sunshine instead of wondering if we'll get it or not. That's not really what I'm talking about here though...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm talking about the moments when you see the sunshine breaking through the clouds, moments when life's not exactly always what you'd like it to be, but God reminds you that it's still all good, even among the hardship.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're in the military, you know what I'm talking about. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is our third summer in a row to be separated for part of it. I think if I see my husband in the evening at least <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">everything is</span> going to be OK. Coming off a year long deployment, you take what you can get. Can I get a witness?! :) My husband has been in the field throughout the week, and a few weekends, since before summer began. I've complained about it several times...to be honest. Just about every time I complain, God shows me the beauty in what he does, serving his country, and brings a little sunshine my way to keep me smiling. </div><div><br /></div><div>This week the "sunshine" is one of my dearest friends from WA visiting. She and I became really close friends while our husbands were deployed together. It was the hardest part of moving away from there. She arrived yesterday and will be here for a whole week! :) She's such a blessing to me, and just having her around is wonderful. She was a huge blessing during the deployment as well, and she's now going through that year long deployment again after just having a few months with her husband at home. I don't know how she's doing it and staying sane, but she's a good woman for standing by her man and I applaud her for that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of my other "sunshine" moments:</div><div><ul><li>I was complaining one evening to my husband over the phone about having this big, nice garden with all this food and no one home to enjoy it (the twins stayed in Fort Worth from our visit early in June). The next morning I woke up and felt the Lord impress me to make a salad. Most everything was from the garden. See, I was meeting one of his Soldiers who was coming into town to get pizza and meet me to get a cake and cupcakes I had made for them for his assistant's birthday. It was a wonderful treat for the Soldiers, and I was blessed for making it and the sweets. </li><li>I got to spend a day out in the field with my husband as they had a "family day" last week. It was HOT as could be, but wonderful to see him and the other Soldiers serving their country. </li><li>I got to spend some time with my family, and allow the twins some extra time at the lake - one of their favorite places to be! (SO happy they will be home tomorrow!! ...I've sure missed them!)</li><li>Which leads to my next one - I got to spend two weekends, one of those was this last weekend (a 4-day) alone with my husband - the love of my life and very, very best friend! We had a wonderful time relaxing and spending time together. I didn't really want to leave the twins, but they were begging to stay and it ended up being fun for them and some wonderful time alone with my husband. </li></ul>Sunshine is a wonderful thing! Sometimes there's nothing better than watching it break through the clouds...</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-50303816711573569492011-05-30T11:05:00.001-07:002011-05-30T11:22:23.071-07:00Memorial Day 2011My mind has been on my widow friends a lot lately, especially this weekend. I hope everyone is remembering our fallen heroes and honoring them for their ultimate sacrifice. Our church did a beautiful job of honoring them, and it made me cry the whole way through this video they showed. It was a girl writing letters to her dad, who had been killed at war, and it was from childhood through her wedding day. My husband and I said it was like watching a video of Evelyn, our friends Sarah and Andrew McConnell's daughter. Andrew was my husband's Soldier that was killed while they were in Afghanistan, and their baby was born just months after he was killed. We also have several other friends who lost their lives in Afghanistan, and whose spouses, children, parents, siblings are without them today, and our thoughts and prayers are with those families during this difficult "holiday"...<div><br /></div><div>I wish you all a wonderful Memorial Day, and ask that you stop to give thanks for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom you have, and pray for their families today. Also, remember those still in harm's way. May we never forget!!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-9330902989017095562011-05-20T11:43:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:49:07.010-07:00My Chaplain's ArticleMy husband had an article posted in the newspaper, and here's a link if you'd like to read it! <div><br /></div><div>To read, click <a href="http://www.fbmonitor.com/2011/05may/051911/pdf/051911part2b.pdf">here</a>.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-19469185754021457762011-05-17T11:58:00.000-07:002011-05-17T12:13:21.511-07:00Postings...My postings seem to get separated more and more by time. I haven't really felt much like writing lately. Life has been busy!...yet, usually, even when it is busy I feel like writing...so I don't know what's up. <div><br /></div><div>The months seem to fly by. We finally got one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">twin's</span> credits from their high school in WA. We're still waiting for the other twin to take his final test this Friday, and then we'll be DONE. I hope! We fought for months and months...5 to be exact! I pray no other military family has to go through this...it was a horrible experience!! What a stressful thing to have to put your children through, as if just moving isn't stressful enough for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been in the gym a lot lately...finally getting back in shape and taking care of myself like I should! I thought it would be easier once we moved (and not working) but oh how "life" just seems to consume our time. But, I made a goal and commitment to myself to STICK with it, even when I go back to work!!...which will mean hitting the gym at 6 a.m. Boo! I do love morning work-outs though...just not with a ton of Soldiers around, which is what that time of the morning will bring. If I'm still around close to lunch time sometimes I am hurrying to get out for that very reason. They take over the place!...I know...that's why it's there. I'm not complaining, just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sayin</span>'. </div><div><br /></div><div>Summer is almost here, which means I get more time with the twins, and less time with my husband. Hooray for more time with the twins (because they are growing up SO fast), boo for less time with my husband. We haven't had a "normal" summer in YEARS! Whatever "normal" is in the Army. I was hoping it wouldn't mean time in the field though, after two summers in Afghanistan...but no, he'll be in and out again. Thankfully, close by...I'll count my blessings!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am looking forward to a visit from a very special friend of mine, whose still stuck in WA, this July!!!!...I can't wait! Unfortunately, her husband is BACK in Afghanistan AGAIN. :( But, she's strong and keeping her chin up, and I'm proud of her... don't think I would be handling it as well. Certain I wouldn't. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I'm not sure I have any readers anymore since I've neglected my blog for so long...but it feels good to sit down and write a little...</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-73829948389006719782011-04-25T11:46:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:58:00.222-07:00Deployments...Coming HomeI can't think of a more wonderful feeling than to have your Soldier come home! The day my husband returned from a year in Afghanistan will be one I will never forget. I was at nearly every homecoming we had for our brigade, but his flight, of course, was like none other for me. All the others were wonderful as I watched my friends welcome their husbands home, and each one was also difficult as I knew some of our men would not be returning home. <div><br /></div><div>Last night I couldn't sleep so I finally got up and turned on the television. Even though I wasn't able to sleep, I was blessed by what I found...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll attach a link to Lifetime's Show, Coming Home for your enjoyment...grab some tissue first!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:11.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Click the following link: </span><a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/coming-home/video/full-episodes/episode-7-holy-surprise"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Coming Home</span></a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-45715953503184693362011-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:002011-04-15T13:28:20.234-07:00Deployments...Summer MonthsI think some of the most difficult months for a spouse to be deployed is during the summer. The kids are home every day (if you have kids old enough to be in school) and seem to notice even more so that dad (or mom) isn't around. It's not quite as busy and there's more of the day to just miss them it seems...especially when you are a family like ours that does a lot of fishing and outdoor activities that just don't seem the same without him. Our twins sure noticed, being that he was in the field the summer prior to deployment, then left mid-summer and returned mid-summer. It would have been nice to have him home at least one full summer, but what can we do about it?! ...nothing.<div><br /></div><div>I guess there was one nice thing about the summer - I didn't have to make sure they were up at a certain time, I didn't have to help with homework or make sure it was done, I didn't have to worry about them missing the bus (since I worked). I'm sure there were a few other things, but I can't think of them right now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am thinking of my dear friends going through a deployment right now, and those who will be going through one soon and have to spend this summer without their husband. I hope their friends and family will reach out and let them know they are loved and appreciated for their sacrifice.<div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-69350634870590502382011-04-11T10:05:00.000-07:002011-04-11T10:34:42.485-07:00Deployments...No more waitingThis morning they delivered the rest of my husband's stuff from Afghanistan. It arrived at Fort Lewis the very day we pulled away to head to our new Post, 5 months after his return home. It's weird. I find myself trying not to think too much about it, while knowing some of the dirt on those containers comes from place he spent a year of his life.<div><br /></div><div>The first thing I noticed was the family photos at the top. Our twins look so different. They've grown so much since then, and are no longer little boys. My first thought was I wonder if this is emotional for my husband. I'm sure thoughts were flooding his mind. I know one thing, he was happy to see it returned to him. A few things didn't make it back, but HE did and that's what matters! </div><div><br /></div><div>I know I'm WAY behind in my writing, but maybe this will spur me on to keep up with it better. I know it has sure taken me back to those days of deployment. It made me think of the day I went through containers with my friend, Sarah, after her husband's death and how sad a day that was. I miss her. </div><div><br /></div><div>This war isn't over, and many more are still deploying. I hope if you're reading this you'll stop and pray for those in harm's way, and their families. I hope you'll pray for those who are injured, and their families, and I hope you'll pray for those families whose loved one paid the ultimate sacrifice. To my friends about to go through a deployment, (again for some) you're in my thoughts and prayers! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-42530339210381943532011-02-14T13:54:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:07:43.810-08:00Deployments...Valentine's DaySince it is Valentine's Day, and I know some of you are having to be without that special someone on this day, let me first say...my heart goes out to you! It's never easy to be separated from the one you love, especially on special days where it'll seem like everyone around you is clinging to their loved one but you. Been there, did it two years in a row, and would rather not do it again. I was, however, reminded that no matter the distance we are still very much in love and have much to celebrate. <div><br /></div><div>If you find yourself alone today, call up a friend in the same boat, love on your kids, or prepare a care package. That's what I did. I made sure to have some packages that got there in time for Valentine's Day, but also sent another package out the next morning that I had filled with all sorts of things to say "I'm celebrating our love"...</div><div><br /></div><div> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ </div><div>To my husband...</div><div>I'm so thankful you are HOME with me this Valentine's Day. I love you with all my heart!!</div><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-79393656974668465682011-02-10T09:52:00.000-08:002011-02-11T11:47:06.034-08:00Deployments...Three Months DownIt was mid-October at three months down. My birthday falls mid-October. I would say it's difficult when they're gone any birthday, holiday, special event... I don't really remember much about this month except that we were still losing Soldiers and it was difficult. I remember my daughter threw me a birthday party at her house and several of my friends came, and we had a good time. I think the word "celebrate" wasn't really in my vocabulary (until the day my husband returned home for good), but we had a good time. By this time in the journey, I was thinking about it being half-way to R&R and in three months I would see his face again and feel his touch. You have to find things to look forward to...<div><br /></div><div>Also, by three months down I was really close to several of the women in our battalion, and felt a part of the "family". It felt good. I had struggled before the deployment to really feel a part of the "family". I think it's something everyone goes through... God had blessed me with some wonderful friends and it was something I had really desired to take place long before, but I think sometimes it's difficult for people to warm up to us chaplain wives. I could be wrong...but I would be interested to hear what other chaplain wives think... I know, after I got to know some of the ladies well, they shared their fears of being close to me since they weren't "religious". They soon came to find out that didn't matter to me. I wanted to know them and become friends just like any other woman would want. Thankfully, that opportunity came with the deployment, and I wouldn't trade those times of great laughter and even great tears for anything. Except for the lives of our Soldiers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thinking through the deployment isn't easy. This time last year my husband had probably just gotten back on the battlefield from having been gone for R&R (it takes longer to return than to get home for R&R). We were given two weeks together and it was wonderful!!! Saying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">good</span>-bye again, however, was not. I teased him a lot about restraining him and not letting him return. :) But, I knew he must return and that his men needed him there. I think knowing it's what the Lord has called us to do makes it easier...and when I say easier I don't mean it like it was easy to do at all, just that God gave me the strength to somehow let go and watch him step on that plane to go back to a very dangerous place. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm thankful it's over and he's home. I am thankful for this Army life, even when it's difficult, and thankful for all the Lord has done. My heart goes out to all enduring a deployment right now!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-16973184601298967982011-02-04T06:07:00.001-08:002011-02-04T07:18:45.667-08:00Deployments...A few photos for today<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Chapel. They started out with these benches, but my husband was able to get chairs so they could fit more people in the Chapel. Not only Soldiers attended services there; he also had contractors from all over the world. He loved it! Also, once they got </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Internet</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> service, I was able to watch most of the services via S</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">kype</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. It was awesome!! Before S</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">kype</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, my husband was kind enough to video the services and send them to me...something I really appreciated since I missed his preaching so much. </span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmaOJyqzqEO2SeLMTorNw1Sazlq_6XkrAcvUkIIdu-CyZp7Kw-Oiv40Da-8joAzeuEoSfDDn5HNmssQa9kRHWxeq2_OfmKoZspqQqMRutm_1bhNdsqLaklWxgE_6YKuTvvg5DRSIyT3Y/s320/Ramrod+2+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569837169918921874" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My husband set up a room inside the chapel that he called "The Chap Ex"...a place the Soldiers could come to get </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">toiletries</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, snacks of all sorts, movies, books and such for free. We had several people who sent boxes on a regular basis to keep it stocked well. The twins and I liked to fill a box (or two, or three) and send out at least once a week. Thank you to everyone who sent boxes! The Soldiers really appreciated it.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO254cOSE9esMtKH3TkPtNtvRJbfNrpm6oOEsk-dznynfj9qfVvGahPPw_OTaBPggLqgD02CsbyjYCbPoa7n6Q6Yx9GLwnRO3GqCO_DvAfzpcWRIeCjpGNQ5Ms6ps-zX4-49nsXI4Csk/s320/IMG_1610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569839015874651858" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Baptism downrange. They were able to cut this broken water tank and use it for baptisms. It was winter there at this time so they brought it into the chapel.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFPHrMG-tkRfSrUTWtrkuBvnIEqlyNP933gbEW5BYlE_tHBxSiQrf0t75SCqlB-Ljoi_TjpxlCKGn6Y6HyXl3265nHSMH4B_RK-blLnc6fnfbbjBnhnHjwZrciG1xsWl8f6snvg_RhbE/s320/Baptism+020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569837460461366450" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Memorial built downrange by Soldiers to honor their brothers killed in combat.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-_dein53GX3tPA9AkvSp669ARuBDWIkuLU8LJuyq6EJOFx1-TIwrtIPCS4XdP58QxTIxvJJVhvDdyNHvwOqzkVGvXD2D0sbPLUJKdPRSJQaWSJJeAEUYdkUDv1tIklzxhpUFCNW5_WI/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569838663027948930" />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-5648248341934956342011-02-03T14:00:00.000-08:002011-02-03T17:49:20.879-08:00Deployments...Two Months Down<div style="text-align: left;">About six weeks into their deployment things got rough. On Sept. 14, 2009 we lost two great Soldiers. I wrote about that some in my post "Forever Changed" - you can click <a href="http://militarychaplainswife.blogspot.com/2009/09/forever-changed.html"><span style="color:#33ccff;">here</span></a> to read if you haven't already...since what I write later won't make much sense if you haven't. It's still not easy to think about all the lives that are forever changed (there were even more lost after that post), but I find comfort in knowing those families are doing well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>It was difficult to leave my friend, Sarah, but I know God has placed people in her life to bring encouragement, and that even the miles between us won't take away our friendship. Her sweet baby girl is such a blessing and I am so thankful the Lord blessed her with this beautiful child. Andrew - her husband, as well as all our other Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, will never be forgotten.<br /><br />After posting "Forever Changed" I didn't get back on my blog to write for quite a while. It was a difficult time working a full time job, taking care of my family, and with all the other things we had going on in our battalion and brigade I just had to step back. It was much more important to me to spend time with people. I'm praying to be able to recall as much as possible to write it now...so we'll see how it goes.<div><br />I'll end by saying I really had no idea we would endure so many casualties during this deployment. I knew very quickly it was going to be bad, and my heart broke time and time again as I sat with family after family who lost their hero. I thank God He allowed me to be there, even in the midst of such a difficult time. Those <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">families</span> are precious to me, and I was honored to help however needed or be a shoulder to cry on.</div><div><br />I'm thankful my husband was able to be there in Afghanistan for the Soldiers of our great nation during such difficult circumstances, even though I missed him terribly, and so very thankful for the many who returned home to their families. Many are still hurting from what they experienced or endured from being blown up themselves and injured in some way. Our continued prayers for them, and their families, are important. Take time to pray even if you don't know them by name!<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdXqmMwW41nxzMb2cDLvmTLvAx1VROlHyEf3MyEkQauXt2W9-uTQQKpAipA7elu6k21uf3OpK-82t8aMPz-OZ9-yDXuHFMjDnY02EdR7PkAWjDZB2ItcMNGsQVL-kN1zjDpflMAUxZh8/s320/IMG_1306.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569641713072632482" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786699463993326279.post-62546803493319954862011-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:002011-02-02T11:22:04.724-08:00Deployments...One Month DownAt this point it was still very, very painful to have my best friend gone every day. I would find myself still waiting for him to come walking through the door, like he was just down the road on post. It's a strange feeling. I think once you've known someone for so long (we're about to celebrate 24 years of marriage this month) it's impossible not to feel a void when they're not around. <div><br /></div><div>Looking back I don't recall what all happened the first month, but I remember him arriving at Kandahar and soon experiencing the death of Soldiers. It wasn't Soldiers from our Post, but he still prayed over a few men that had been killed, and participated in their Ramp Ceremony. He asked me to watch for reports of their deaths and write down their names in my journal. Month one was just a peak of what was to come...</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582952546782012059noreply@blogger.com2