Well, I am at the computer and mothers day is at a close. The sky is dark, and my eyes tired and ready for sleep. I think back on this day and feel contented and grateful to have the children and grandchildren that God has placed in my life. If you are a Mother, you know that Motherhood is a mixed bag of joy, pride, laughter and grief. It is never finished and never quiet.
To be a Mother you learn to live in the middle of this, and if you are older, you learn that the best things happen when you stop having any expectation of what the day is supposed to mean.
If you expected a day focused on your needs, you will likely be disappointed. Other people are not used to you having any needs. If you expected a day of quiet solitude, you will likely be disappointed since they make lots of noise trying to please you as they cook something in the kitchen.
If you expected that they would remember that you would really love a good book and a nap, you may be disappointed, unless the good book you had in mind has lots of bright pictures and you wanted to read it with a few extra grubby fingers turning the pages.
If you expected a fancy gift you may be disappointed, unless your desire and treasure would be a hand written note saying you are the best mom.
Mothers Day is best navigated without any expectation. Perhaps the real gift of Mothers Day is getting to be one.
Willie Banks III, met the first lady, got a tour of the white house and was awarded his military child of the year award. He also won
5000.00, which he says he will spend 500.00 on a Nintendo for his sister and a surprise for his mother, the rest he plans to save for
college.
With the wisdom of a child older than his years, Willie has some advice for children going through similar situations.
“All you have to do is pray for other people … then something good is going to come back to you,” Willie said.
What an amazing young man! We were able to send Willie one of each of the We Serve Too! books and two coloring books, one for
Willie and one for his sister,
I don’t usually use this forum for anything like a movie review, or even political views, but this time I have to. I had not heard much about this movie, so my husband and I thought we would eat a bag of popcorn and check it out.
I wonder what those of another generation would have said if anyone tried to put out a traitorous movie like this during WWII?
Casting our troops and our nation in a bad light when we are at war, is wrong.
Our troops are professionals, the best army in the world. In this movie the Special Forces are bad guys, our government so corrupt that they stage the war for no reason, our soldiers so stifled by this conspiracy that they go out on their own creating missions for themselves. The Iraqis are misunderstood and we are left holding the bag.
I am just tired of the tone, even if it is fiction, that America is a rouge nation, trying to destroy things just because we can. It is crap. I hope that you will not feel the need to add to the coffers of those who made this movie, I wish I hadn’t.
I found this video posted on Military Avenue, and just needed to put it up. Reunions are about parents and children, grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles finally getting to hug that special person they have been missing. It brought tears as I recalled the times we welcomed home our own soldier. The banners made by my grandchildren that said “Welcome Home Daddy!”
When Paula and I created Book 2 , on Reunion, we wanted something that would last. A book that would not just be a story, but your story. One that parents and children could read and say “yeah, I felt that way too.” We are proud to be able the offer it to Military Families.
Reunion is joyful, but not always easy. Many adjustments must be made. Parents have to reassert authority, children have to learn that things are now different. Schedules change, room must be made for the one who has been away. Spouses must work together, when it might seem easier to “do it myself”.
Reunions can be easier, if everyone knows that it will take some patience and work.
We dedicate this book to all of you who have made the sacrifices this nation requires. We can never thank you enough!
It is the Sunday before Christmas, and our early Christmas is messing with my mind. Somehow, even though it was really fun, and I am glad we did it…the sentiment in our second book is correct. It is a lonely little Christmas. I think that there is truth in the statement that we are creatures of habit and tradition. Many Military Families change up the rules on many occasions, but still, there is a price to be paid.
I know that this is a passing feeling. The days will come and go, the New Year will make it’s appearance and normal will come around again (whatever that is!) I would love to hear what traditions you have on Christmas, and what you would miss if you had to change things up.
One thing I am truly hoping this year, that I can get swept up in the truth, that I might look into the manger, and see my Lord and King. Hope you do the same.
Merry Christmas!
No matter if it is your husband, son , or the kids want to get in on a giant card for Daddy, this company is wonderful! They have offered free banners for quite some time now, and we have had the joy of placing the huge banner over our garage to welcome home our soldier!
While Justin was in Iraq, we sent him the giant card (it is really big!) It comes in a big box to send it in ,and we had everyone from family and friends to former coaches and teachers sign it. It was fun to send it as a Christmas card!
To all Military Families who have a loved one away from home, here is a way to put a smile on their face, or to welcome them home!
After my complaint about the song I wrote of in the last post, my friend and business partner Paula did a re-write.
I often am amazed by her talent to take the written word and transform it. There is no wonder that children love the rhymes in our books! I don’t know if the teacher will make the changes, but I posted them. I love the way Paula takes my anger and actually does something positive with it! Here are the new lyrics:
Bring Him Warmth, Santa
Dear Santa, I need to change my Christmas list
There’s one big thing I missed
My Daddy serves his country far away from here
And I know, Santa, I asked for a Barbie doll
And a brand new soccer ball
But I’d trade it all, for just one gift this year…
Bring him warmth, Santa, bring him love from Mom and me
Let him wake up Christmas morning, and find all countries free
You can join with us and pray, and bring some comfort in your sleigh
So he won’t spend Christmas all alone
Bring love from home
And Santa, here’s a picture that I drew
Of him in his dress blues
Give him a country that remembers him there
That honors his sacrifice, honors him good
And I was hopin’ you could
remind America to keep him in prayer.
Bring him love Santa, bring him victory and speed
Let us wake up Christmas morning, and find we’re still free.
Can you help us stand tall as he answers his call?
So he won’t spend Christmas all alone
Bring love from home
Bring warmth from home.
Bring hugs from home.
Bring love from home.
If you came here to see the post of the little girl who reacted to her Dad coming back from Afghanistan, I have to say I’m sorry. It was a great clip, and truly showed the heart of children, who miss a beloved parent. In following the links at the end of the video, I discovered that they go to some that are not in keeping with wholesome family viewing. That is the reason for the deletion.
Veterans Day is Wednesday November 11th. This video is great for parents and children to watch together. Talk to your children about the sacrifices that are made on the behalf of all of us.
I was talking with my son earlier today. He said that he feels that it is fine if the American people are oblivious to the work our Military does…that the people going to work, raising the kids and washing the car, with no thought or regard for those fighting far from home, is exactly what soldiers do. They protect , so we don’t have to think about it. I love it that he feels that. I do not agree. I think that we lose a part of ourselves when we live oblivious to those who sacrifice every day for us. We are protected, because they are willing to give all they have.
Thank you, all veterans, active duty, reserves, National Guard, Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Families! We give a special salute to all the children, who serve as they wait, we hope you remember them as well.
Please appreciate and thank our warriors, thier families, and remember that you can live as you do, only because they care.
No matter if it is your husband, son , or the kids want to get in on a giant card for Daddy, this company is wonderful! They have offered free banners for quite some time now, and we have had the joy of placing the huge banner over our garage to welcome home our soldier!