Memorial Day 2008

Today being Memorial Day, we made the trip north to Arlington National Cemetary. It was a bustling busy place. Many dignitaries and locals were there to pay their respects to our fallen soldiers. I'm awestruck by the deep feelings that burst onto the stage in my mind when I'm at Arlington. My blood definitely runs red-white-and-blue and my patriotic feelings are very close to the surface. I look around and say to myself, this is what it costs to be free. Then we move through the cemetary on our way to another special spot on this beautiful property that the Confederate Army seized from Robert E. Lee in retaliation for his support of the Union troops. It really is a breathtaking piece of land!

We move further along, almost to the cemetary's boundary line next to the Fort Meyer chapel and find our own little angel's resting place. Christine Marie was just shy of 4 years old when she left us with unmistakeable lessons and hearts full of tender memories. The healing has come just as promised. So instead of this trip bringing tears and sadness, we remember her smile and the infectious giggle that she bestowed upon us for the short time she was ours.

My Girls

I have been thinking about what to blog for several days and have been coming up blank. I am really using my blog like a journal. Writing things that I want to remember and look back on with fond memories. Many times I attempt to make my entries funny stories and am sure that it can't be interesting to anyone but me. So bear with me...... this one is a sweet story.

Yesterday was Mother's Day and the husband had Army Reserve duty. Even though he has put in his retirement papers, he doesn't officially retire for another 9 months. So, early yesterday morning he served me breakfast in bed before he left for work. It was early enough that I wasn't hungry, but I couldn't pass up this sweet gesture without partaking.

Later when Emma and I arrived at church I was surprised to see that Emma is on the program as a speaker. She looked at me and said "it's your Mother's Day gift, I volunteered to speak about mothers and how I gained my testimony". My heart filled with love for this beautiful spirit who came to us after many years of prayer and fasting. More on that another time.

Emma spoke of the role mothers play in our lives, and shared her experience of feeling the spirit testify to her that the LDS Church is true and she bore her testimony and than spoke of her love for me. (really? I'm not annoying? I don't drive you crazy?) It was a tender moment for me.

So my Mother's Day gift from Emma will stay with me forever. It brought tears to my eyes and warmed my soul.


Lanie, who I like to think of as mini-me. Lives in Utah, she is all grown up, has graduated from college and is working and living on her own. She is so much like me we can finish each other's thoughts. She is far prettier that I ever was and smarter as well. She makes me a proud momma. Lanie never gave me anything to worry about. I saw the strong will she came here with from the moment she came to this earth. Lanie called me yesterday and told me she wished she could be here with me and that she loves me a ton. She and I talk seveal times a week and I am reminded of what a gift she is in my life.

Why am I blessed with these beautiful daughters who love the Lord and want to please him? Their testimonies are strong and they are good to their parents. I love my girls!

Oh Yes He Did

Murray has finally begun the slow process of ending his love affair with the Army. I'm not sure why this brings me such happiness but it does. The Army in it's infinite wisdom requires 9 months from the date the retirement papers are submitted before the retirement is official. I say it should be like ripping off a band-aid, rip it fast and it won't hurt. I understand the US Army will be sad to see him leave, but really, he's mine and I deserve all his love and attention. The pittance you pay him will be missed, but we will get by.

So long to you Uncle Sam, there have been times that you have sucked every ounce of energy from me in support of my husband. You will no longer have access to his time and devotion. I know he will miss you but time will heal his broken heart and he will go on to be a free-er man. No more mobilization orders sent by email ordering him to show up in Timbuktu in 30 days and remain there for 18 months. No more PT tests, this he will really miss as requirements really get easy as he gets older. No more free housing, free food and no more free medical care.

Rest assured that he has fond memories of his time with you but it's time to end this love affair.

Pass It Forward

An anonymous person made my day today. As I was standing in line at Linens-n-Things to pay for my pepper grinder the man in line behind me said "Excuse me"

I turned and answered "Yes?"

He asked "Has anyone told you you are stunningly beautiful today?"

Just to be sure I heard correctly, I said "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."

He then said "Has anyone told you you are stunningly beautiful today?"

I was trying to come up with something witty for my response, all that came out was "No, thank you very much, that makes this old, fat girl feel good" and gave him my best smile.

He then mumbled something in disbelief and smiled at me.

When I finished paying, he said "You have a nice day" and winked.

So... there are good people out there. Never underestimate the power of a compliment. Pass them out freely. It will make someone's day!!

Write back and tell me how you make someone's day.