I am finally to the point this evening where I am able to write about last night. I debated writing about it at all but I decided it could be a huge reminder and learning moment for all of my family and friends.
Eric has always told me I have a very intense gut instinct. We haven't always followed it but we have learned to follow it. For the last couple of months I have been having fire moments. I don't know what else to call them. Ayden and I worked with his window and fire escape ladder a couple of months ago. I had checked smoke alarms in September. Ayden has been busy watching Mythbusters which prompted me to place a very large opened box of baking soda under the sink. And I've been having funny candle moments where I just decided to blow them out in the house, including the one we have kept lit for Eric and Brady in a very safe location. Christmas morning Ayden had lit a candle for mood lighting, I guess, and Logan had set something too close which really frightened me. But still all was well.
Brenden and Sarah came for Christmas day and stayed over to Sunday. After they left in the late afternoon we all relaxed and I fell promptly asleep. Logan went to work and Laramy went to a white elephant party. I woke up and watched a movie. When Logan came home around 10:15, he was hungry so he lit the oven for bacon. And at 10:30ish Ayden headed to bed but a short time later came down for a drink and stopped in my room. He asked me if I smelled 'that'. And within just a minute he was yelling fire. I ran downstairs to the kitchen to find Logan with the fire extinguisher and flames shooting out of the stove to the ceiling and thick choking smoke filling the room. I can only tell you that what happened in the next few seconds was guided by God.
I flew around the island and grabbed the box of baking soda from the already open cupboard and proceeded to fling it with apparent perfect aim at the fire. It dropped down immediately and I aimed twice more and then blew with all my might at the remaining small fire. Laramy and Ayden had gathered the dogs and were on the deck and Logan shot it with one last shot with the fire extinguisher. I grabbed my land line and called 911. We had gotten the fire out but the house was full of toxic smoke. And within a few minutes three of our local firemen were standing in my kitchen and taking charge. I had also called Melody out of complete fear and panic and she came running over too.
We are fine. No one was injured. I only lost my range. The front melted right in front of my eyes. There was no structural damage to the kitchen just a lot of soot clean up to do. Had I not had the baking soda or my land line things would have been completely different.
So here are some things to think about. Everyone is getting rid of their land lines and I have considered it. But when I took off running I left my cell on my bed. If I hadn't had the soda and no land line, I would have had no way to call. And as fast as it went up and if I had to run to my neighbors or back upstairs I would have lost the kitchen if not more.
Many of you keep soda by your stove. If my soda would have been there, I wouldn't have been able to get to it. And this was a grease fire. By the grace of God, the firemen said I couldn't have done a more perfect job...I did not plan for this in anyway..it all just happened this way. God has perfect timing and, apparently, aim.
So I ask all of you to please check your fire extinguisher location. Go out and buy one or two boxes of large baking soda for under the sink or at least away from your stove. Double check your smoke detectors. The one I have by the kitchen did not go off and should have. It had a new battery. It just didn't work anymore. Your test button tests the battery function..not the function of your smoke detector. If you teach your children to cook, teach them how to put out a fire. I was very proud of Logan getting the fire extinguisher to work. Then sit down with your family and make sure they know a plan and where the extinguisher and soda are located. Reconsider a land line. When I called, she knew my location.
I am so thankful for God's protection and his angels around me and the boys. He guided Ayden to the kitchen at just the right moment. I am also so thankful to the firemen who arrived, checked us all out, and cleared out our house of smoke. And also to my two neighbors who have been helping me out so much, Rich and Myron, by unhooking my burned up stove and replacing my smoke detector. They have been so helpful and kind to our family in many ways since Eric left.
Psalm 91:11 For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
God Bless,
Love,
Monica
1)Praise for our safety and no real damage.
2)Praise and thanks for homeowners insurance even with a deductible.
3)Pray I find the right stove in my price range.
4)Praise for Eric and Brady's Christmas time together and safe travels for Eric.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
One of those movie moments
I went Christmas shopping today. I had one of those moments that I thought only happened in the movies..yes, I'm still chuckling about it. Actually, just trying to type this, I am laughing out loud. Unfortunately, I was by myself. I dropped Ayden off at Toys R Us and went to JoAnn's fabrics. I found what I wanted and headed towards the back of the store to the cutting table. No one was there. In fact, no customers were even around. I plopped my fabric down and walked around and looked. I spied a public bathroom and decided I should use it. I came back to the cutting table and alas! there was a worker there. So I said, "I need some fleece cut". And she looked at me and said, "Do you have a number"? I thought she was joking. She was not. I said, "No, but I think I can get one". So I reached over and pulled a number and handed it to her and glanced around. Okay..I need to remind you all right now... THERE IS NO ONE AROUND EXCEPT FOR THE TWO OF US!! She took the number and moved around a little bit and then she picked up the store intercom and said, "Now serving customer number 42". And right then and there I was incredibly happy I used the potty or we would all be laughing about more than just this silly incident. I intended to look around a little bit more but that just did me in...so I headed to the checkout. And while I was standing in line, because apparently there were two other customers in the store, I realized the lady in front of me was staring at me. And then she said, "You have some fleece there?" Yep...yep I do. ?*!*x+?* I couldn't wipe the huge grin off my face. Considering how my 15 minutes had gone in the store I stood there thinking the poor checkout guy had been there all day and my grin was probably nothing in the scheme of all he had seen.
That's all I've got..nothing inspirational and nothing to report..just a good laugh as we gear up for these next two holidays.
God Bless and thanks so much for your continued prayers,
Love,
Monica
That's all I've got..nothing inspirational and nothing to report..just a good laugh as we gear up for these next two holidays.
God Bless and thanks so much for your continued prayers,
Love,
Monica
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Hugs and Kisses or Kisses and Hugs?
Where did November go? I'm not sure. But I know I spent two weeks of it sick. In fact, I am still not 100%. I have not been this sick for this long for a very long, long time. I am incredibly thankful for time to rest and recover, kids taking care of me ( although I did have a commerical mom moment where I emerged from my bed in horror at the shape of the house), and antibiotics.
While sick, I did manage to instant message with Eric quite a bit. He kept checking in on me. And I seemed to receive lots of extra kisses and hugs or x's and o's as we know them through cyberspace....or are they o's and x's?
I'm not sure how the conversation started but it was asked, "Are the x's kisses and o's hugs or the other way around?" I hadn't really given it much thought. But I stated that I thought the x's were hugs because they were arms crossing and the o's were kisses because they are shaped like a kissing mouth. And Eric replied, "No, the x's are kisses..two people kissing in profile, and the o's are endless arms wrapped around each other." Yes, sometimes it's too hard to discuss deep subjects so we spend a lot of our time chatting about simple matters.
And so the chuckles continued over the next few days as we signed off xoxoxoxox or oxoxoxoxo. And then on the way to church I posed the question to Logan, Laramy, and Ayden; "So what do the x's and o's stand for"? Ayden quickly responded that he thought the x's were hugs and Logan and Laramy thought the x's were kisses and the o's hugs. But I think we have all determined that we don't care..we just like lots of both preferably in person and not through instant messaging.
I have decided this year has been quite a gift so far. Eric and I have had time for all of these silly little discussions but also lots of big discussions and even goal-setting at times. We will most certainly have to learn how to communicate in person again. But I am looking forward to it.
While sick, I did manage to instant message with Eric quite a bit. He kept checking in on me. And I seemed to receive lots of extra kisses and hugs or x's and o's as we know them through cyberspace....or are they o's and x's?
I'm not sure how the conversation started but it was asked, "Are the x's kisses and o's hugs or the other way around?" I hadn't really given it much thought. But I stated that I thought the x's were hugs because they were arms crossing and the o's were kisses because they are shaped like a kissing mouth. And Eric replied, "No, the x's are kisses..two people kissing in profile, and the o's are endless arms wrapped around each other." Yes, sometimes it's too hard to discuss deep subjects so we spend a lot of our time chatting about simple matters.
And so the chuckles continued over the next few days as we signed off xoxoxoxox or oxoxoxoxo. And then on the way to church I posed the question to Logan, Laramy, and Ayden; "So what do the x's and o's stand for"? Ayden quickly responded that he thought the x's were hugs and Logan and Laramy thought the x's were kisses and the o's hugs. But I think we have all determined that we don't care..we just like lots of both preferably in person and not through instant messaging.
I have decided this year has been quite a gift so far. Eric and I have had time for all of these silly little discussions but also lots of big discussions and even goal-setting at times. We will most certainly have to learn how to communicate in person again. But I am looking forward to it.
Thank you everyone for sending colored pencils.
Luke 1:68-73 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
Prayer Requests:
1) Continued healing for myself and protection for the guys, too, from illness..here and abroad.
2) Praise for continued safety for Eric and Brady.
3) Praise for exciting holiday news for Eric and Brady
4)Please pray for continued peace and no anxiety for all of us as we journey through the winter.
5) Praise for still no snow!! Woohoo!! Please continue to pray for manageable snow in Winterset for us this winter...possibly all of Iowa for those who desire it.
God Bless,
Love,
Monica
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Persevere and trust
The weather has finally turned cold. Not too cold. But cold enough to remind me that the one season, the holiday season, I have not been looking forward to is upon us. When I found out last year the guys would be leaving, my mind quickly went to wondering how we would survive the holidays without them. Eric and I spent Thanksgiving apart in 1987 when he was stationed in Georgia for AIT. Other than that we have been fortunate enough to have spent every Christmas together for 25 years. Many people take that for granted. But being a military family, I know we are very fortunate to have never faced this before. There are military families who have endured multiple holiday separations.
I have been wondering if we should do something different or follow through with our same traditions. And knowing, too, that it will be even more difficult for them without any family while we still all have each other. Eric did tell me he received a small Christmas tree and a Santa hat in a care package...(we'll expect to see you in that hat when we skype on Christmas day!).
After Tuesday evening, I realized we would simply trust and persevere through this as well. Ayden and I were fortunate enough to hear Father John Riccardo speak in person Tuesday night. He is one of my favorite radio station talk shows. In fact, one of his messages completely changed my views as a wife and ultimately changed my life. His message this time was simple: trust. It is a message I hear over and over again. Why are we sometimes so slow to internalize what we know? I can trust in our heavenly Father and Jesus his son to carry us through anything we have to endure here on this earth because my salvation rests in them. This is my peace as I am guided by the Holy Spirit to understand, know, accept and be exactly where I am supposed to be each moment of my life.
Trust is leaning on something so completely that if it was taken away we would fall over. We lean on people, jobs, cars, or our health. And all of those things fail us at one point in our lives or another.
I don't ever have to worry about my God and my Savior being taken away and this is where I will continue to place my trust. This is my peace for this holiday season.
So we continue. We will have Thanksgiving dinner and head straight into Christmas without stopping. And January will come and we will be 6 months in for Eric and 5 months in for Brady!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Eric, Brady, and our family!
God Bless!
Love,
Monica
If you would like to hear Father John Riccardo, check out programming on KWKY.com and listen through live streaming or check out the You Tube link below for a sample.
Father John Riccardo
I have been wondering if we should do something different or follow through with our same traditions. And knowing, too, that it will be even more difficult for them without any family while we still all have each other. Eric did tell me he received a small Christmas tree and a Santa hat in a care package...(we'll expect to see you in that hat when we skype on Christmas day!).
After Tuesday evening, I realized we would simply trust and persevere through this as well. Ayden and I were fortunate enough to hear Father John Riccardo speak in person Tuesday night. He is one of my favorite radio station talk shows. In fact, one of his messages completely changed my views as a wife and ultimately changed my life. His message this time was simple: trust. It is a message I hear over and over again. Why are we sometimes so slow to internalize what we know? I can trust in our heavenly Father and Jesus his son to carry us through anything we have to endure here on this earth because my salvation rests in them. This is my peace as I am guided by the Holy Spirit to understand, know, accept and be exactly where I am supposed to be each moment of my life.
Trust is leaning on something so completely that if it was taken away we would fall over. We lean on people, jobs, cars, or our health. And all of those things fail us at one point in our lives or another.
I don't ever have to worry about my God and my Savior being taken away and this is where I will continue to place my trust. This is my peace for this holiday season.
So we continue. We will have Thanksgiving dinner and head straight into Christmas without stopping. And January will come and we will be 6 months in for Eric and 5 months in for Brady!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Eric, Brady, and our family!
God Bless!
Love,
Monica
If you would like to hear Father John Riccardo, check out programming on KWKY.com and listen through live streaming or check out the You Tube link below for a sample.
Father John Riccardo
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tears and Laughter
Tears come at unexpected times. I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks. When I signed in this morning, I checked the other blogs I follow. One of them is written by a fellow soldier of Brady. He has been on the same journey and has already arrived in Afghanistan. As his pictures came up of his travel overseas, my tears started. The feelings about a mother of a soldier and a wife of a soldier are completely different.
As a mother there will always be a part of me that wants to just rescue my baby and bring him home. And I know in life there will be those moments when you are there rescuing your children even in their adult lives..even if it is just to stand by their side. Eric and I experienced that with our parents when our children were born particularly with Brenden and Laramy. But I also know this is Brady's dream and he doesn't want me to rescue him but to just know that we are standing by his side. So know this, son, we are here and we have your back in whatever we can do and especially as we kneel to pray.
As a wife I don't feel the need to rescue my husband but to honor him by doing the absolute best I can here at home. And by doing my best, I am staying very busy. The gardens are done. The porch is painted. The garage is sorted and tools put away. I've emptied the pond and staked up the redbuds. I've sorted his clothes and given many away (he's lost weight and I'm shopping to replace). I'm painting and sorting and scrubbing and cleaning.
And then there's work, friends, travel, family, bills, errands, boxes to ship, and Logan, Laramy, Ayden, Bren and Sarah. Oh..and a wedding! I am working on the guest list for Brady and Jayme's wedding and we have our niece's wedding coming up at Thanksgiving.
All these thoughts started with a couple of comments said to me this week. I went to the Assessor's office with my DD 214 in hand to get a military reduction on our property taxes. And as some of the paperwork was being done she said, "You have a son over there, too, right? I don't know how you are doing it".
Well, I do have my moments like the one I had this morning. I had a huge moment a couple of weeks ago when the phone rang and I thought it was Brady calling after no communication for a time. It was Brenden. I hadn't talked to him in awhile either. So we shared a good laugh at my confusion and tears. Most of my moments come when looking at pictures or skyping with Eric. People continue to ask about them and it truly touches my heart.
So my reaction to all of this is the only choice I have. I could stay home and worry and stress. Or I can stay busy and do my best. And all of my friends are doing a great job of keeping me busy.
So for the month of October, Lisa and Dawn win for the best job of keeping me busy with a quick trip to Vegas! And, yes, Eric loved that I went and was able to see Donny in concert which was a lifelong dream for me.
As a mother there will always be a part of me that wants to just rescue my baby and bring him home. And I know in life there will be those moments when you are there rescuing your children even in their adult lives..even if it is just to stand by their side. Eric and I experienced that with our parents when our children were born particularly with Brenden and Laramy. But I also know this is Brady's dream and he doesn't want me to rescue him but to just know that we are standing by his side. So know this, son, we are here and we have your back in whatever we can do and especially as we kneel to pray.
As a wife I don't feel the need to rescue my husband but to honor him by doing the absolute best I can here at home. And by doing my best, I am staying very busy. The gardens are done. The porch is painted. The garage is sorted and tools put away. I've emptied the pond and staked up the redbuds. I've sorted his clothes and given many away (he's lost weight and I'm shopping to replace). I'm painting and sorting and scrubbing and cleaning.
And then there's work, friends, travel, family, bills, errands, boxes to ship, and Logan, Laramy, Ayden, Bren and Sarah. Oh..and a wedding! I am working on the guest list for Brady and Jayme's wedding and we have our niece's wedding coming up at Thanksgiving.
All these thoughts started with a couple of comments said to me this week. I went to the Assessor's office with my DD 214 in hand to get a military reduction on our property taxes. And as some of the paperwork was being done she said, "You have a son over there, too, right? I don't know how you are doing it".
Well, I do have my moments like the one I had this morning. I had a huge moment a couple of weeks ago when the phone rang and I thought it was Brady calling after no communication for a time. It was Brenden. I hadn't talked to him in awhile either. So we shared a good laugh at my confusion and tears. Most of my moments come when looking at pictures or skyping with Eric. People continue to ask about them and it truly touches my heart.
So my reaction to all of this is the only choice I have. I could stay home and worry and stress. Or I can stay busy and do my best. And all of my friends are doing a great job of keeping me busy.
So for the month of October, Lisa and Dawn win for the best job of keeping me busy with a quick trip to Vegas! And, yes, Eric loved that I went and was able to see Donny in concert which was a lifelong dream for me.
Fun and laughter most certainly help. I can't wait for the guys to return so we can make some wonderful memories!
Check out Lee's blog if you wish http://www.oef2011.blogspot.com/ !
Prayer requests:
1) safe travels for Brady
2) physical stamina for both of them
3) emotional strength for all of us esp. the boys here at home
4) praise for easy and often communication and Eric's laptop once again
5) praise and thanks for lots of awesome friends
6) praise for those who barely know us but ask and say we are in their prayers
1 Thessolonians 1 2&3 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
God Bless,
Love,
Monica
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fall Things
When chatting with Eric one day, I realized there were things I was forgetting to tell him. I am thinking I am telling him everything. But with as big of a family as we have, things do get forgotten. So I spent some time today uploading these videos and pictures to give them a taste of home from this fall. We miss you both and love you and can't wait for you to be home with us to enjoy all of these activities with us next fall!
Jr. High Marching Huskies
Covered Bridge Festival Parade 2010
(video featuring Ayden marching with his french horn)
Marching Huskies
2010 Season
(video featuring Laramy with his marching tuba)
High School 11/12 Choir
Laramy at center top
Liz and Lisa down to watch Laramy march
Melody and baby Taylor
Ayden marching
okay..this was taken last winter but I thought it would make you laugh...why don't Logan and Laramy want their picture taken?
Monica and Selah
Cyclone Erin (isn't this awesome?)
My dad can strike up a conversation with anyone!
New Beautyberry bush for Eric...I was not influenced by the purple berries at all
My Christ Renews Carroll Outreach Sisters... me, Jean, Cindy, Kristi, Kasey, Angie, Pam, Heather, Deb, Carol, and Janelle.
The Christmas decorations are up in the stores and another season is upon us. Time marches on as usual. And we continue with our days and activities. But, for me, not a second goes by without a thought of either of them. And I know so many of you are praying for them because you tell me and you ask about them. Thank you so much for all of your continued support.
I have reports of pencils being received from the Methodist church in Grimes. Thanks, Shellie! And I have reports of pencils received from Papillion. Thanks, Mike and Chris! And I have another report of pencils received from Clinton. Thanks, Carol and the bank! Hopefully he will remember to tell me about each package he receives.
God bless,
Love,
Monica
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Bucket Not List
I came back after a long weekend away to find a picture of Eric sitting down having a meal. And, of course, I naturally looked over what was on the menu. I spied a dish of beans and wondered how that went for him. And I chuckled to myself quite a bit about the beans. For those of you who know Eric well, you know why I chuckled. For those of you who don't let's just say Eric doesn't eat beans....ever. Lucky for me I was able to ask him about the beans this morning during our chat time. It went something like this:
Me: I saw the picture of you eating.
Him: Oh, good.
Me: How were the beans? (I am totally snickering and chuckling with this comment)
Him: Same as usual....
For a few short seconds I thought..he ate them? he didn't eat them.. was he just being polite? and then I started to feel impressed that he was putting aside his extreme dislike and horror at the thought of one even touching his lips.. and then he finished his comment...
Him: ...still just laying there in the dish
Phew! Now I know one doesn't spend a year away from home without changing. But if he came home liking beans I was going to wonder if I got the same husband home. And then he said....
Him: had a bad run in with some mutton, too. Those things need to be added to my bucket never to do again list.
So I know that many people make their bucket lists of things to do, but there needs to be a bucket not list..just in case your memory fails and you forget you didn't try something or to remind yourself that you weren't going to do that anymore. And maybe there needs to be a bucket over and over again list...things you can't get enough of like Mt. Rushmore. It is something you could see time and time again and still be in wonderment and awe at it. And I know there are a few restaurants I could put on my not list and moments with friends on the over and over again list. I know the older I get the more important all three of those lists have become to me.
Prayer Requests:
1) Brady is finishing some training this week. We haven't had much contact with him. Pray for him through each transition.
2) Eric is well but feels daily stress. Pray for him physically and mentally.
3) Praise for the continuous endless list of friends and acquaintances who ask how they are doing and how we are doing.
4) Praise for my Christ Renews outreach sisters and for the wonderful weekend we had together.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you.
love,
Monica
Me: I saw the picture of you eating.
Him: Oh, good.
Me: How were the beans? (I am totally snickering and chuckling with this comment)
Him: Same as usual....
For a few short seconds I thought..he ate them? he didn't eat them.. was he just being polite? and then I started to feel impressed that he was putting aside his extreme dislike and horror at the thought of one even touching his lips.. and then he finished his comment...
Him: ...still just laying there in the dish
Phew! Now I know one doesn't spend a year away from home without changing. But if he came home liking beans I was going to wonder if I got the same husband home. And then he said....
Him: had a bad run in with some mutton, too. Those things need to be added to my bucket never to do again list.
So I know that many people make their bucket lists of things to do, but there needs to be a bucket not list..just in case your memory fails and you forget you didn't try something or to remind yourself that you weren't going to do that anymore. And maybe there needs to be a bucket over and over again list...things you can't get enough of like Mt. Rushmore. It is something you could see time and time again and still be in wonderment and awe at it. And I know there are a few restaurants I could put on my not list and moments with friends on the over and over again list. I know the older I get the more important all three of those lists have become to me.
Prayer Requests:
1) Brady is finishing some training this week. We haven't had much contact with him. Pray for him through each transition.
2) Eric is well but feels daily stress. Pray for him physically and mentally.
3) Praise for the continuous endless list of friends and acquaintances who ask how they are doing and how we are doing.
4) Praise for my Christ Renews outreach sisters and for the wonderful weekend we had together.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you.
love,
Monica
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Pictures
I thought you all might like to see a few pictures that were taken in the last couple of days. He assures me that is him walking....and even though he definitely looks thinner...I can tell it is him.
God bless and thanks for your prayers
Love,
Monica
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
How to spend a Sunday
Sundays are the hardest day of the week for a military family I think. For us, it is very hard to pretend Eric is at work. His absence has been felt deeply by me on Sundays for all the years he's been a soldier. Many Sundays after church the boys and I head to Jordan Creek for lunch and some hang out time. We did this even before Eric left. It seems to be the one time during the week when we are all together. So while we miss Eric's presence we have still continued to do something after church each Sunday. And it most definitely keeps me occupied instead of feeling lonely.
This past Sunday we found ourselves eating lunch together in the food court. But Logan had to work at three and I had a couple of errands to run. So Logan drove the boys home because they decided they didn't want to stay with me. I basically just wandered for a little while. I found myself looking at Younkers yellow dot shoes where I managed to score a really comfortable pair of $60 anti-gravity sandals for $8. I love looking for deals and decided to head towards Dillards. But then I was sidetracked by another store. When I wandered out, I found myself passing by the guys giving the chair massages..you know the ones..they have them in every mall. Well, I've been needing a massage. My massage therapist (massages really help my Sjogren's) closed her shop to go back to more schooling and I'm still searching for a new one. So I was just watching them and the next thing you know they were talking to me..trying to convince me to get in the chair. Well, what did I have to lose? And he said, "Oh..you tight" (he was Asian). Really? I could have told him that. So I proceded with the 20 minute massage which I have to say was really okay and much needed. So I paid him and started walking. But wouldn't you know that the guy in the next kiosk who promises amazing curls wanted to also curl my hair? Well, I was in for that. In fact, I told him to just curl up my whole head! His name is David and he is from Israel. We had a very nice conversation about my Baha (have to tell them when they are touching my head) because his sister is deaf from an explosion. And he did a fabulous job on my hair and taught me how to actually do the curls. I really wanted to sleep on it before making a decision to buy. And I tried what he taught me with my straightener. And I have to say that I believe it is worth the money if anyone has ever wondered. I didn't have near the success with mine.
So you're thinking I'm heading home now right? No! Next up... the Seacret ladies! Oh..most days they really irritate me. And I own one of their sets courtesy Brady. So I ususally say I already own it. But she wanted to wash and lotion my hands. And so I let her. After all...I was massaged and curled. I might as well be lotioned up too.
The only thing that would have finished off my afternoon would have been if the See's candy ladies would have been passing out free chocolates. But that will start soon with the upcoming holiday season. I'll have to remember to not wear my zebra striped coat then so as not to be memorable. Then you get handed one every time you pass by.
Well, I can tell you that I CTM as I walked away and headed to my car. What a funny out-of-character way for me to spend a Sunday afternoon. Somebody better tag along with me next time and keep me in line!
Prayer Requests:
1) Please pray for healing for Eric as he took a very hard fall and has a couple minor injuries. I don't know anymore than that.
2) Pray for Brady as he settles in to this next month of training in a new location. There will be a couple of weeks where we have no contact with him.
3) Praise once again for the gift of Eric's laptop. It is the only way we have had to communicate. He currently has no way to call. His laptop, even though the connection has been very poor to say the least, has really been a blessing.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
This past Sunday we found ourselves eating lunch together in the food court. But Logan had to work at three and I had a couple of errands to run. So Logan drove the boys home because they decided they didn't want to stay with me. I basically just wandered for a little while. I found myself looking at Younkers yellow dot shoes where I managed to score a really comfortable pair of $60 anti-gravity sandals for $8. I love looking for deals and decided to head towards Dillards. But then I was sidetracked by another store. When I wandered out, I found myself passing by the guys giving the chair massages..you know the ones..they have them in every mall. Well, I've been needing a massage. My massage therapist (massages really help my Sjogren's) closed her shop to go back to more schooling and I'm still searching for a new one. So I was just watching them and the next thing you know they were talking to me..trying to convince me to get in the chair. Well, what did I have to lose? And he said, "Oh..you tight" (he was Asian). Really? I could have told him that. So I proceded with the 20 minute massage which I have to say was really okay and much needed. So I paid him and started walking. But wouldn't you know that the guy in the next kiosk who promises amazing curls wanted to also curl my hair? Well, I was in for that. In fact, I told him to just curl up my whole head! His name is David and he is from Israel. We had a very nice conversation about my Baha (have to tell them when they are touching my head) because his sister is deaf from an explosion. And he did a fabulous job on my hair and taught me how to actually do the curls. I really wanted to sleep on it before making a decision to buy. And I tried what he taught me with my straightener. And I have to say that I believe it is worth the money if anyone has ever wondered. I didn't have near the success with mine.
So you're thinking I'm heading home now right? No! Next up... the Seacret ladies! Oh..most days they really irritate me. And I own one of their sets courtesy Brady. So I ususally say I already own it. But she wanted to wash and lotion my hands. And so I let her. After all...I was massaged and curled. I might as well be lotioned up too.
The only thing that would have finished off my afternoon would have been if the See's candy ladies would have been passing out free chocolates. But that will start soon with the upcoming holiday season. I'll have to remember to not wear my zebra striped coat then so as not to be memorable. Then you get handed one every time you pass by.
Well, I can tell you that I CTM as I walked away and headed to my car. What a funny out-of-character way for me to spend a Sunday afternoon. Somebody better tag along with me next time and keep me in line!
Prayer Requests:
1) Please pray for healing for Eric as he took a very hard fall and has a couple minor injuries. I don't know anymore than that.
2) Pray for Brady as he settles in to this next month of training in a new location. There will be a couple of weeks where we have no contact with him.
3) Praise once again for the gift of Eric's laptop. It is the only way we have had to communicate. He currently has no way to call. His laptop, even though the connection has been very poor to say the least, has really been a blessing.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Every moment is a new moment
I sat down this morning to work on the computer when all of a sudden I heard Christmas music coming from the television. I turned my head in amazement to see a commercial for an upcoming Christmas concert. The passing of time is more evident with the change of temps this morning, toilet paper in my trees for homecoming, and the inevitable early arrival of Christmas commercialism.
Eric and I have settled in to chatting once a day. Our schedules are flipped. When he is sleeping, I am in the middle of my day and vice versa. One of my favorite moments is waking to the ding of my blackberry telling me I received an email while I was sleeping. And I can usually get at least one eye open to see what Eric had to tell me while I was dreaming away. Although I have to admit, that I usally have to read it again later in the morning after a cup of coffee.
My dining room table is full of donations for my pencil/marker drive. Logan picked up boxes and customs slips yesterday at the post office so I can begin packing them. I am surprised and overwhelmed at the response. It takes about two weeks for Eric to receive a box. So if some of you sent a package on your own you will be able to gauge when it might reach him. I also received donations for postage without pencils. Any extra postage money I have will be used to purchase more pencils to fill out a box. I have tried very hard to keep track of everyone who donated. But many of them came without a name. Thank you all so much for taking the time to participate! As of this moment Eric reports that he hasn't received any boxes. But he has promised a picture as they start to arrive. And that will give us all something to look forward to.
Yesterday I received a phone call from Grassley's office in reference to my email about Eric's mail contractor. I was surprised to say the least. Many of you have heard me say that I am just fortunate to be able to vote after flunking political science twice in college. It is like I am studying a foreign language upside down. But every moment of this year is a new moment for me. And (don't choke here honey) I realized that I don't need to know the political process to be a concerned citizen with a problem. I was listened to and heard. So now I am waiting to hear if there is still a mail problem and, if so, Grassley's office will act with my consent.
Prayer Requests:
1) Pray for Brady as he transitions to the next phase of his journey.
2) Praise for great friends and family who helped with Logan's car dilemna! It is back in Winterset and in the shop getting fixed.
Romans 12:11,12 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Eric and I have settled in to chatting once a day. Our schedules are flipped. When he is sleeping, I am in the middle of my day and vice versa. One of my favorite moments is waking to the ding of my blackberry telling me I received an email while I was sleeping. And I can usually get at least one eye open to see what Eric had to tell me while I was dreaming away. Although I have to admit, that I usally have to read it again later in the morning after a cup of coffee.
My dining room table is full of donations for my pencil/marker drive. Logan picked up boxes and customs slips yesterday at the post office so I can begin packing them. I am surprised and overwhelmed at the response. It takes about two weeks for Eric to receive a box. So if some of you sent a package on your own you will be able to gauge when it might reach him. I also received donations for postage without pencils. Any extra postage money I have will be used to purchase more pencils to fill out a box. I have tried very hard to keep track of everyone who donated. But many of them came without a name. Thank you all so much for taking the time to participate! As of this moment Eric reports that he hasn't received any boxes. But he has promised a picture as they start to arrive. And that will give us all something to look forward to.
Yesterday I received a phone call from Grassley's office in reference to my email about Eric's mail contractor. I was surprised to say the least. Many of you have heard me say that I am just fortunate to be able to vote after flunking political science twice in college. It is like I am studying a foreign language upside down. But every moment of this year is a new moment for me. And (don't choke here honey) I realized that I don't need to know the political process to be a concerned citizen with a problem. I was listened to and heard. So now I am waiting to hear if there is still a mail problem and, if so, Grassley's office will act with my consent.
Prayer Requests:
1) Pray for Brady as he transitions to the next phase of his journey.
2) Praise for great friends and family who helped with Logan's car dilemna! It is back in Winterset and in the shop getting fixed.
Romans 12:11,12 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Riding the wave
Today is just one of those days...one of those roller coaster days. I have had a lot of things happen (car issues/leaky pipe/dental insurance) one thing after another. So I'm riding the roller coaster of emotions today and missing both of them very much.
I thought you might all like to see a current picture. This was taken a couple weeks ago. He is well and settled. I think he looks quite a bit thinner. I don't have a current picture of Brady. But he is spending his leave days with Jayme and I'm hoping she will bring back a few pictures to share. I am so thankful they get to spend a few days together. And I pray they really have a fun and relaxing time together, too.
I have had a wonderful response to my crayon and marker request. Thank you everyone who has contributed. It will really bless him and help him do his job. I am still gathering them and will start sending them soon. I have had very generous donations for shipping as well. If you are interested but haven't heard what I am doing, please contact me and I'll give you the information.
Labor Day weekend found Ayden and I taking my mom and dad to Mt. Rushmore. I have always been fascinated with watching my sons see things for the first time. Watching children be amazed at something is awesome. This was Ayden's second trip and he was amazed in a different way this time. But I have a new perspective after watching my parents view Mt. Rushmore for the first time in their lives with all of their life experiences. I am very blessed to have experienced it with them and I am so thankful we made the trip. Every moment in my life is a learning experience and I learned a lot about myself during the trip, too.
So while today has been a wave of emotions, it is also a learning day, too. And tomorrow is another day and one more day passed until the guys return home.
God bless,
love,
Monica
Saturday, August 21, 2010
To expect or not to expect
I never expected to be so overwhelmed with emotion when the curtains opened and the cavalry horse led in the troops. You can hear the crowd yell with surprise and excitement. I think this is a moment in my life I will never forget feeling. It was one of the most patriotic moments I have experienced. This was Brady's sending ceremony. He is in the very back row on the left side in the middle. If you watch closely, you will catch a peek of him. I never expected that my youngest son would capture this moment on my camera. And I was thrilled to find it a couple of days after the ceremony and relive it. Brady has only been gone a couple of weeks. My expectations are that time will pass quickly. I hope my expectations don't let me down.
I've been told that my expectations are usually too high. Some things you just expect. I expect to be paid on payday. That's easy. I expect my children to always do their best. That ones tricky because my idea of their best is usually different from theirs. I expect people to do or call when they say they will. That one gets me in trouble a lot. But for the first time in my life I set myself up with no expectations. And actually that's an expecation in itself. That expectation was wrong.
Eric has spent the last three weeks traveling with their cargo. He has had quite an amazing journey on a very large plane. I can't really describe everything because I don't know everything. But I expected that once he left I wouldn't hear from him at all. But we've had continuous contact almost the entire time. He flew from Indiana to North Carolina to Delaware and then on to Spain for a short stop. From Spain he quickly found himself in Iraq where he reports temps of 130 degrees. He was there for a couple of days and then he moved on. He spent a week at least on an air force base before heading to his last location before the FOB. I am happy to report that he has made it to his final destination! I'm sure his expectations were just fine through all of this but I never expected it to take as long as it did.
We are expecting Brady will leave his current location sometime mid-September and then he will return to it before shipping. But until it is after the fact there is nothing to really expect. He is very busy and doing fine.
Feel free to send either one of them an email. They will reply if they can. Most importantly it is good for them to receive support from family, friends, and well-wishers. I have addresses for both of them. If interested, you will have to contact me by email, phone, or in person.
So I'm learning daily. I'm putting my expectations aside...even my no expectations. Because I expect they will both have lots of stories to tell when they return.
Prayer requests:
1) Praise for safe travels.
2) Continued prayers for safety.
3) Praise for just settling in and accepting life as it is with surprises each day brings.
Love,
Monica
I've been told that my expectations are usually too high. Some things you just expect. I expect to be paid on payday. That's easy. I expect my children to always do their best. That ones tricky because my idea of their best is usually different from theirs. I expect people to do or call when they say they will. That one gets me in trouble a lot. But for the first time in my life I set myself up with no expectations. And actually that's an expecation in itself. That expectation was wrong.
Eric has spent the last three weeks traveling with their cargo. He has had quite an amazing journey on a very large plane. I can't really describe everything because I don't know everything. But I expected that once he left I wouldn't hear from him at all. But we've had continuous contact almost the entire time. He flew from Indiana to North Carolina to Delaware and then on to Spain for a short stop. From Spain he quickly found himself in Iraq where he reports temps of 130 degrees. He was there for a couple of days and then he moved on. He spent a week at least on an air force base before heading to his last location before the FOB. I am happy to report that he has made it to his final destination! I'm sure his expectations were just fine through all of this but I never expected it to take as long as it did.
We are expecting Brady will leave his current location sometime mid-September and then he will return to it before shipping. But until it is after the fact there is nothing to really expect. He is very busy and doing fine.
Feel free to send either one of them an email. They will reply if they can. Most importantly it is good for them to receive support from family, friends, and well-wishers. I have addresses for both of them. If interested, you will have to contact me by email, phone, or in person.
So I'm learning daily. I'm putting my expectations aside...even my no expectations. Because I expect they will both have lots of stories to tell when they return.
Prayer requests:
1) Praise for safe travels.
2) Continued prayers for safety.
3) Praise for just settling in and accepting life as it is with surprises each day brings.
Love,
Monica
Saturday, August 14, 2010
August what?
I had to pick up my phone and look at the date twice this morning. I really can't believe it is August 14th and school is just around one more weekend corner. Logan will start his college classes, Laramy will be a junior, and Ayden will attend Mom's Academy for one more year. More amazing to me is our two year anniversary of living in this house. And even more amazing to me is Eric informing me today that we are 1/6th done! I can do six...six of something is easy. Six miles on my bike is nothing..I can't even remember my sixth birthday...and eating six M&M's...well, you can't even remember that it happened before you've eaten six more. So I'm counting down to six. I love time...it ends and yet it never ends. So we'll count down to six and then we'll figure out something else to count down to.
I originally intended for this blog to keep everyone informed about Eric. But being unable to share many details about him in written form has turned this blog more into how you cope as a wife and family of a military member. And for Eric, sometimes we are so busy taking care of details over email or phone, he enjoys reading a story about his family.
Everyone around me has been awesome about keeping me busy and checking on me, the kids, and asking about Eric. Work is keeping me busy in the evenings which is a difficult time for me. I even went and volunteered at the State Fair yesterday! I'm not sure Eric believes me on that one..but I did. Next Tuesday, Brenden and I will go to Iowa City for his cardiologist appointment. And I'm sure the trend of staying busy will continue once school starts. I am looking forward to Labor Day weekend and our trip to Mt. Rushmore with Ayden and my parents.
I have been sorting, organizing, and rearranging. Last Thursday I had to be up early to meet Jayme and her mom for a little more wedding gown shopping. If you don't know, I am not the best morning person...okay, I'm not a morning person...and sometimes I don't even remember getting dressed in the mornings. I was running a little behind so as I searched for my lighter denim jeans I grabbed what I thought was the pair I wanted, put them on, and kept going. And I was out of time to make coffee or stop for coffee to wake me up. After the first shop, Shellie stopped at Kum & Go for me. And that is when I became very conscious that I did not know what or whose jeans I was wearing. But they fit and they were comfortable. But the hems were worn away and tattered which was confusing to me. I shared this with Jayme and Shellie and we shared a laugh...it is bizarre to not know whose jeans you are wearing. I wore those jeans all day long and until I got a chance to visit my half-organized closet to see if I could find the jeans I had intended on wearing. And it turns out that I was wearing an old pair of Logan's jeans! So I'm going to finish organizing my closet today.
It was very special to go with Jayme and her mom this week as she searched for her wedding gown. Brady is going to have a stunning bride! I can't wait to see his face as she walks down the aisle. And I loved the grin on her face and the twinkle in her eye when she knew she'd found the one. She was so beautiful in the dress that we'll forgive her for being a... choking here... Hawkeye..... ;)
Prayer requests:
1) Please pray for Eric as he is still traveling and hoping to reach his final destination very soon.
2) Pray for Brady as he is adjusting to being away from home.
3) Safety always for both of them.
4) Praise for my health. I am feeling awesome, well-rested, lots of tears and saliva, and lots of progress with my tennis elbow. Please pray my Sjogrens stays in a upswing as I manage the house through the coming seasons.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with the hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
love and blessings,
Monica
I originally intended for this blog to keep everyone informed about Eric. But being unable to share many details about him in written form has turned this blog more into how you cope as a wife and family of a military member. And for Eric, sometimes we are so busy taking care of details over email or phone, he enjoys reading a story about his family.
Everyone around me has been awesome about keeping me busy and checking on me, the kids, and asking about Eric. Work is keeping me busy in the evenings which is a difficult time for me. I even went and volunteered at the State Fair yesterday! I'm not sure Eric believes me on that one..but I did. Next Tuesday, Brenden and I will go to Iowa City for his cardiologist appointment. And I'm sure the trend of staying busy will continue once school starts. I am looking forward to Labor Day weekend and our trip to Mt. Rushmore with Ayden and my parents.
I have been sorting, organizing, and rearranging. Last Thursday I had to be up early to meet Jayme and her mom for a little more wedding gown shopping. If you don't know, I am not the best morning person...okay, I'm not a morning person...and sometimes I don't even remember getting dressed in the mornings. I was running a little behind so as I searched for my lighter denim jeans I grabbed what I thought was the pair I wanted, put them on, and kept going. And I was out of time to make coffee or stop for coffee to wake me up. After the first shop, Shellie stopped at Kum & Go for me. And that is when I became very conscious that I did not know what or whose jeans I was wearing. But they fit and they were comfortable. But the hems were worn away and tattered which was confusing to me. I shared this with Jayme and Shellie and we shared a laugh...it is bizarre to not know whose jeans you are wearing. I wore those jeans all day long and until I got a chance to visit my half-organized closet to see if I could find the jeans I had intended on wearing. And it turns out that I was wearing an old pair of Logan's jeans! So I'm going to finish organizing my closet today.
It was very special to go with Jayme and her mom this week as she searched for her wedding gown. Brady is going to have a stunning bride! I can't wait to see his face as she walks down the aisle. And I loved the grin on her face and the twinkle in her eye when she knew she'd found the one. She was so beautiful in the dress that we'll forgive her for being a... choking here... Hawkeye..... ;)
Prayer requests:
1) Please pray for Eric as he is still traveling and hoping to reach his final destination very soon.
2) Pray for Brady as he is adjusting to being away from home.
3) Safety always for both of them.
4) Praise for my health. I am feeling awesome, well-rested, lots of tears and saliva, and lots of progress with my tennis elbow. Please pray my Sjogrens stays in a upswing as I manage the house through the coming seasons.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with the hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
love and blessings,
Monica
Friday, August 6, 2010
She wore a yellow ribbon
We arrived home from RAGBRAI Saturday night. I was very blessed to be able to text with Eric all through the week and tell him what we were doing and even send him some pictures. We saw some amazing things during the week including The Grotto and St. Francis Xavier's Bascilica. Sunday morning we went to church and then had a few errands to do including a pedicure for my tired feet after all of that pedaling! As I left the nail place and walked towards Victoria Secret, I received Eric's text that he was leaving within 15 minutes. I kind of froze and wasn't sure what to do...step forward or run back....but I did have a free panty coupon and Eric did tell me to continue on with life while he was gone so...I decided there was nothing to do but run my last errand and then gather up the boys. But emotions are a funny thing during deployment. I stepped into the store where an associate quickly saw my coupon and whisked me to the area where I could pick something out. And as she talked, I choked up and started to cry. And here's how God works... she said, "Oh..I am deploying in a few weeks, too, and you need a hug". And so right there I found myself being hugged by a stranger who understood. And then we laughed and cried a little more while we rummaged through the drawers of panties.
The evening continued with some texting and eventually Eric landed at his first destination. He could not get a bed on the base and they found themselves in a hotel waiting. And all day Monday he waited. They finally took off again but to a second place for a 16 hour layover to have a repair done on the plane. And as frustrating as that was for him to wait, we found ourselves with a valuable day of texting and even an afternoon skype session between just the two of us which I will cherish. And then finally that night I received his last text. He said he would call at his next destination if he could but unbelievably I slept through his phones calls.
I was assuming I wouldn't hear from him for quite awhile but by late afternoon Wednesday my phone was ringing off the hook telling me that Eric had posted he had a good connection and was looking for me. And before you know it we were all sitting in front of my laptop skyping with him for just a few minutes. I was also able to talk to him a couple of times including early this morning before he left again and before we left for Brady's sending ceremony.
And then we left. We were a parade of five cars. Brady and Jayme, myself and Ayden, my mom and dad, Bren, Sarah, Laramy and Sarah, and Logan and Jenna managed to stay together as we drove to Ankeny High School. I wish so much that Eric's travel didn't have to happen while we could have no contact during the ceremony but that was God's plan so we'll run with it.
When they opened the curtains today and the crowd saw the horse and our cavalry...wow..what a response. It is a moment I will never forget. And to know that Eric was a part of the cav for so many years and now to carry on that tradition with Brady was a very cool moment for me. I am not just a military wife and mother, I am a cav wife and mother. I was reminded of a couple of cav sayings when we attended Brady's family picnic on Monday. "First in, last out" is one which I think truly speaks to how a cavalry soldier operates. And so I came home and dusted off Eric's stetson. And I look forward to Brady returning with his stetson.
Most of you know that even though Eric can be a tough soldier he is one of the most tender men I have ever known. He has a very strong faith, huge visions for things that most of us can't imagine, and a heart that cares and feels. The night before his sending ceremony as we lay talking before sleep, he started singing "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" to me from John Wayne's cavalry movie. Yep..that's my soldier. That's why I can stand strong and support him and Brady.
Prayer requests:
1) Safety, safe travels, and rest for both and all soldiers.
2) Praise for awesome friends and family who came out for Brady's ceremony. Thank you so much.
3) Praise for all of the support we have been receiving especially my friends who have been calling and constantly checking on me. I can't express how much I appreciate it.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Love,
Monica
The evening continued with some texting and eventually Eric landed at his first destination. He could not get a bed on the base and they found themselves in a hotel waiting. And all day Monday he waited. They finally took off again but to a second place for a 16 hour layover to have a repair done on the plane. And as frustrating as that was for him to wait, we found ourselves with a valuable day of texting and even an afternoon skype session between just the two of us which I will cherish. And then finally that night I received his last text. He said he would call at his next destination if he could but unbelievably I slept through his phones calls.
I was assuming I wouldn't hear from him for quite awhile but by late afternoon Wednesday my phone was ringing off the hook telling me that Eric had posted he had a good connection and was looking for me. And before you know it we were all sitting in front of my laptop skyping with him for just a few minutes. I was also able to talk to him a couple of times including early this morning before he left again and before we left for Brady's sending ceremony.
And then we left. We were a parade of five cars. Brady and Jayme, myself and Ayden, my mom and dad, Bren, Sarah, Laramy and Sarah, and Logan and Jenna managed to stay together as we drove to Ankeny High School. I wish so much that Eric's travel didn't have to happen while we could have no contact during the ceremony but that was God's plan so we'll run with it.
When they opened the curtains today and the crowd saw the horse and our cavalry...wow..what a response. It is a moment I will never forget. And to know that Eric was a part of the cav for so many years and now to carry on that tradition with Brady was a very cool moment for me. I am not just a military wife and mother, I am a cav wife and mother. I was reminded of a couple of cav sayings when we attended Brady's family picnic on Monday. "First in, last out" is one which I think truly speaks to how a cavalry soldier operates. And so I came home and dusted off Eric's stetson. And I look forward to Brady returning with his stetson.
Most of you know that even though Eric can be a tough soldier he is one of the most tender men I have ever known. He has a very strong faith, huge visions for things that most of us can't imagine, and a heart that cares and feels. The night before his sending ceremony as we lay talking before sleep, he started singing "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" to me from John Wayne's cavalry movie. Yep..that's my soldier. That's why I can stand strong and support him and Brady.
Prayer requests:
1) Safety, safe travels, and rest for both and all soldiers.
2) Praise for awesome friends and family who came out for Brady's ceremony. Thank you so much.
3) Praise for all of the support we have been receiving especially my friends who have been calling and constantly checking on me. I can't express how much I appreciate it.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Love,
Monica
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tidbits
This year will pass and so many things will happen. Days will go by and not all daily tidbits will be relayed. So I will be highlighting happenings at times so Eric will be in the know. I decided you all should join me in the fun because there is never a dull moment in the Pugh household. So here are just a few life lessons we have all learned lately.
*When you take a box to the to the post office, if you expect it to go to the address you intend, you must pay postage. The same rule applies when you take a box to UPS to be shipped.... and so now we have two stories instead of one...thank you Laramy. That being said, Logan has successfully mailed two packages to his dad due to the lessons learned from his brother, Brady, and his brother, Laramy.
*We just found out that Ayden thought all of his life that hamburgers came from ham. We have informed him that they are beef and I believe his fog has lifted...life seems a little more clearer for him now. Maybe I have cleared up some questions for some of my blog readers as well.
*When you go out to eat and order a grilled chicken salad, you should expect to receive a grilled chicken salad for your meal complete with the salad dressing of your choice. If by chance you receive a burger and fries instead, don't look at your server and ask, "Is this the grilled chicken salad"? Because I can guarantee that your server will go back to the kitchen and burst into uncontrollable laughter at your expense. And you all ask why I still wait tables?
*When you eat lunch out with your friends and an older lady approaches your table to tell one of your friends she looks just like Julia Roberts, make sure you encourage the lady to say whatever else is on her mind. In fact, if she wants to take a picture of your friend, let her! And then just continue to call your friend, Julia, even if her real name is Melody.
*When you are teaching your children to drive, make sure they understand that occasionally a parent might scream. This will more than likely happen if your child doesn't put the car in park before he decides to take his foot off the brake and you are rolling towards the car in front of you.
*If you happen to have a car that syncs to your phone through bluetooth, it is not necessary to put the phone up to your ear. It should take you only once to learn that lesson but some of us are a bit slower and it might take twice. This is especially important to learn if you only have one good hearing ear and can't figure out why you can't hear the person on the phone that you called.
Laughter is a great way to relieve stress! Read between the lines...I'd be more than happy to elaborate on each of the stories!
Love,
Monica
*When you take a box to the to the post office, if you expect it to go to the address you intend, you must pay postage. The same rule applies when you take a box to UPS to be shipped.... and so now we have two stories instead of one...thank you Laramy. That being said, Logan has successfully mailed two packages to his dad due to the lessons learned from his brother, Brady, and his brother, Laramy.
*We just found out that Ayden thought all of his life that hamburgers came from ham. We have informed him that they are beef and I believe his fog has lifted...life seems a little more clearer for him now. Maybe I have cleared up some questions for some of my blog readers as well.
*When you go out to eat and order a grilled chicken salad, you should expect to receive a grilled chicken salad for your meal complete with the salad dressing of your choice. If by chance you receive a burger and fries instead, don't look at your server and ask, "Is this the grilled chicken salad"? Because I can guarantee that your server will go back to the kitchen and burst into uncontrollable laughter at your expense. And you all ask why I still wait tables?
*When you eat lunch out with your friends and an older lady approaches your table to tell one of your friends she looks just like Julia Roberts, make sure you encourage the lady to say whatever else is on her mind. In fact, if she wants to take a picture of your friend, let her! And then just continue to call your friend, Julia, even if her real name is Melody.
*When you are teaching your children to drive, make sure they understand that occasionally a parent might scream. This will more than likely happen if your child doesn't put the car in park before he decides to take his foot off the brake and you are rolling towards the car in front of you.
*If you happen to have a car that syncs to your phone through bluetooth, it is not necessary to put the phone up to your ear. It should take you only once to learn that lesson but some of us are a bit slower and it might take twice. This is especially important to learn if you only have one good hearing ear and can't figure out why you can't hear the person on the phone that you called.
Laughter is a great way to relieve stress! Read between the lines...I'd be more than happy to elaborate on each of the stories!
Love,
Monica
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
How do I talk to thee? Let me count the ways.....
I have been too busy communicating with my husband to blog I guess. Seems like a lifetime since he left and it has only been two weeks. But many things have happened in those two weeks and even though we've been able to communicate daily right now I still haven't managed to keep him updated on all of the things happening with our family and friends.
Eric left on the bus and we waited a few hours and started texting. We decided he would take his phone with him for this first month to ease communication. I am very thankful because we've been able to text daily. I will miss that very much. He also had his laptop but had no internet connection for the first few days and even then it is not the best connection. We did finally manage to skype for a few minutes before the connection was lost. And while we were trying to get the connection going again we had texted a few things and then he called to say it wasn't working or something. So we hung up and texted some more. It is very difficult to text a whole conversation. But his evenings run late and lights go out so that's all we've had most of the time. After the failed skype session and more texting I stated in desperation that I would just send him an email. And then I received a text back...CTM and TIME. Well, if you've read my previous blogs you will know that CTM means chuckling to myself and the new one TIME means tears in my eyes. He was chuckling so much about our communications that he had tears in his eyes. And then he said, "Do you realize we have texted, skyped, talked on the phone, and now emailed?" There was no CTM for me...I bursted into laughter and LOL'd for quite awhile.
I am thankful and know that communication will soon change. His phone will arrive home for safe keeping until he returns. And depending on connections and time, it sounds like we will be down to every other day for a call or email. I am still thankful and will look forward to emails and maybe even a few hand-written letters.
In my two weeks I have updated my auto insurance information, called a tree guy to have a large broken branch removed from our oak, changed the furnace filter, priced and compared belt sanders, researched porch paint, had the oil changed in my car, bought a stake for our little redbud tree, bought lube and lubed our bike chains, and even (don't pass out honey) got my hands muddy in the garden. I'm capable. I'll manage. But there have been moments when I've had to text him TIME because that's just the way I feel even though I'm okay.
Prayer Requests:
1) Safety
2) RAGBRAI is coming up and Ayden and I will be riding every day with Brady and Jayme as our crew. Please pray for good weather and no scary storms this year.
3) Brady's sending ceremony is quickly approaching and we'll be faced with saying goodbye once again
Thanks and Love,
Monica
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Eric left on the bus and we waited a few hours and started texting. We decided he would take his phone with him for this first month to ease communication. I am very thankful because we've been able to text daily. I will miss that very much. He also had his laptop but had no internet connection for the first few days and even then it is not the best connection. We did finally manage to skype for a few minutes before the connection was lost. And while we were trying to get the connection going again we had texted a few things and then he called to say it wasn't working or something. So we hung up and texted some more. It is very difficult to text a whole conversation. But his evenings run late and lights go out so that's all we've had most of the time. After the failed skype session and more texting I stated in desperation that I would just send him an email. And then I received a text back...CTM and TIME. Well, if you've read my previous blogs you will know that CTM means chuckling to myself and the new one TIME means tears in my eyes. He was chuckling so much about our communications that he had tears in his eyes. And then he said, "Do you realize we have texted, skyped, talked on the phone, and now emailed?" There was no CTM for me...I bursted into laughter and LOL'd for quite awhile.
I am thankful and know that communication will soon change. His phone will arrive home for safe keeping until he returns. And depending on connections and time, it sounds like we will be down to every other day for a call or email. I am still thankful and will look forward to emails and maybe even a few hand-written letters.
In my two weeks I have updated my auto insurance information, called a tree guy to have a large broken branch removed from our oak, changed the furnace filter, priced and compared belt sanders, researched porch paint, had the oil changed in my car, bought a stake for our little redbud tree, bought lube and lubed our bike chains, and even (don't pass out honey) got my hands muddy in the garden. I'm capable. I'll manage. But there have been moments when I've had to text him TIME because that's just the way I feel even though I'm okay.
Prayer Requests:
1) Safety
2) RAGBRAI is coming up and Ayden and I will be riding every day with Brady and Jayme as our crew. Please pray for good weather and no scary storms this year.
3) Brady's sending ceremony is quickly approaching and we'll be faced with saying goodbye once again
Thanks and Love,
Monica
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Skipping
As we drove away from the sending ceremony, I found myself thinking about how much better I did than I thought I would. I had such a constant, crippling feeling thinking about that last goodbye. And I found myself just being okay. I had asked my doctor for anxiety meds just in case. But I was bound and determined to not use them and just feel every moment. On the way to the ceremony, it was just Eric and I in our car. We prayed almost the entire way and I found myself in a wonderful place of peace.
I don't often get the chance to see Eric march and behave as a soldier. I see him in his uniform almost daily since he is full-time. But as the soldiers marched in, there was a magical sense of pride that happened...good, acceptable pride. And I always feel such a sense of protection around all of them in uniform. I love seeing him be a soldier. And I am so thankful for all of the other soldiers he is serving with, including my oldest son. I can say that now with more acceptance than I could when we were younger.
And then it was over. Hugs were over and goodbyes were done. I was afraid I was going to have to medicate all the rest of my family with my pills! But we were soon on our way home and all okay. I was fine all evening at home. Eric was able to text me later into the afternoon and while he was unpacking and settling into his bunk. And we said goodnight. I am so thankful for texting right now.
Morning came and I had a few unexpected tears as I awoke. But I was fine. I was fine all morning until I decided to go to the grocery store. And then I found myself tearing up in the chip aisle! I was fine all the rest of the day until I got to work...had another unexpected moment. They were starting to surprise me because I thought I was doing fine.
Friends and family have been awesome in the last few days...calling, texting, checking on me. And I kept reassuring them I was fine. My Christ Renews sister and dear friend, Liz, called and we decided she would come stay for the holiday weekend. We got up and went to a few garage sales with Melody and then stopped for coffee. At the coffee shop...more tears! Liz said right there that we needed to come up with something every time I choked up...something to do instead of tears....yes! let's skip! And then later in a little shop...the lady said something to me that totally choked me up... Liz says, "Do we need to start skipping?" Which brought me to tears and laughter.
Later that afternoon Liz and I went to the grocery for some holiday fare. Fareway is loaded with flags in the windows in support of the soldiers. In the first aisle is the Dr. Pepper display...and she looked at me and said, "Do we need to start skipping?" And so right there...we skipped past that display and broke into crazy laughter much to the shock of my youngest son who wasn't sure he wanted to be seen with us. I kind of shocked myself with the ease at which I skipped!
As we walked into church on Sunday I asked Liz, "Would it be appropriate to start skipping here?" And then after church in Old Navy I almost had to skip by myself after I saw the table where you could stop to write a letter to a soldier....Liz was farther into the store. I had to find her and we broke into more crazy laughter thinking about skipping again. We laughed our way through the store with more skipping comments.
Skipping is working for me. Will you know if they are tears of sadness or tears of laughter if you see me skipping in a public place?
Well, at this point I would maybe post a picture. I have an awesome one of Liz in Old Navy but I am under strict instruction that it is for my eyes only in case she's not with me and I need to skip with tears of laughter. Thanks Liz for skipping with me!
Love,
Monica
Isaiah 12:4 "...Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known to the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. "
Prayer Requests:
1) Praise for everyone who has supported the soldiers by buying a flag or buying Dr. Pepper products in your neighborhood grocery and convenience stores. It was a huge blessing for them to receive the gift card and phone card.
2) Praise for the gift of technology and ease of communication.
3) Praise for the publicist catching our last goodbye hug and kiss. This was a huge blessing to me when I discovered it later that day.
4) Praise for friends and family watching out for me and supporting our family.
I don't often get the chance to see Eric march and behave as a soldier. I see him in his uniform almost daily since he is full-time. But as the soldiers marched in, there was a magical sense of pride that happened...good, acceptable pride. And I always feel such a sense of protection around all of them in uniform. I love seeing him be a soldier. And I am so thankful for all of the other soldiers he is serving with, including my oldest son. I can say that now with more acceptance than I could when we were younger.
And then it was over. Hugs were over and goodbyes were done. I was afraid I was going to have to medicate all the rest of my family with my pills! But we were soon on our way home and all okay. I was fine all evening at home. Eric was able to text me later into the afternoon and while he was unpacking and settling into his bunk. And we said goodnight. I am so thankful for texting right now.
Morning came and I had a few unexpected tears as I awoke. But I was fine. I was fine all morning until I decided to go to the grocery store. And then I found myself tearing up in the chip aisle! I was fine all the rest of the day until I got to work...had another unexpected moment. They were starting to surprise me because I thought I was doing fine.
Friends and family have been awesome in the last few days...calling, texting, checking on me. And I kept reassuring them I was fine. My Christ Renews sister and dear friend, Liz, called and we decided she would come stay for the holiday weekend. We got up and went to a few garage sales with Melody and then stopped for coffee. At the coffee shop...more tears! Liz said right there that we needed to come up with something every time I choked up...something to do instead of tears....yes! let's skip! And then later in a little shop...the lady said something to me that totally choked me up... Liz says, "Do we need to start skipping?" Which brought me to tears and laughter.
Later that afternoon Liz and I went to the grocery for some holiday fare. Fareway is loaded with flags in the windows in support of the soldiers. In the first aisle is the Dr. Pepper display...and she looked at me and said, "Do we need to start skipping?" And so right there...we skipped past that display and broke into crazy laughter much to the shock of my youngest son who wasn't sure he wanted to be seen with us. I kind of shocked myself with the ease at which I skipped!
As we walked into church on Sunday I asked Liz, "Would it be appropriate to start skipping here?" And then after church in Old Navy I almost had to skip by myself after I saw the table where you could stop to write a letter to a soldier....Liz was farther into the store. I had to find her and we broke into more crazy laughter thinking about skipping again. We laughed our way through the store with more skipping comments.
Skipping is working for me. Will you know if they are tears of sadness or tears of laughter if you see me skipping in a public place?
Well, at this point I would maybe post a picture. I have an awesome one of Liz in Old Navy but I am under strict instruction that it is for my eyes only in case she's not with me and I need to skip with tears of laughter. Thanks Liz for skipping with me!
Love,
Monica
Isaiah 12:4 "...Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known to the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. "
Prayer Requests:
1) Praise for everyone who has supported the soldiers by buying a flag or buying Dr. Pepper products in your neighborhood grocery and convenience stores. It was a huge blessing for them to receive the gift card and phone card.
2) Praise for the gift of technology and ease of communication.
3) Praise for the publicist catching our last goodbye hug and kiss. This was a huge blessing to me when I discovered it later that day.
4) Praise for friends and family watching out for me and supporting our family.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
ctm
I am really surprised at how slowly these last few days have seemed to pass despite our lists of things to accomplish. But my attempts to stop time by stealing batteries and unplugging all of our clocks still won't stop Eric from shipping out in just a couple of days. And at this point he really needs to go because otherwise we won't know if he was a good teacher or not in ways of the manly, smelly house chores that I fervently avoid when he is home. My home tour concluded today with information on the furnace filter, water shut-off valves, and a demo on how to actually start and use the weedeater thus hopefully averting anymore minor concussions. (sidenote: Eric did ask me this afternoon if he should cut that pointy thing off of the garage. But I told him that I have hit it twice with my head and I ought to know that it is there by now....and yes, I did give myself a minor concussion with the incident that occurred a couple of weeks ago.)
During the past month while Eric was gone we were able to text in the evenings before bed. And we did test out our skype capabilities a couple of times. We are told the delay with the video calling is quite delayed but we should be able to call using skype fairly easily. It is very difficult to not get stressed and emotional during such a stressful and emotional time. So we worked very hard over the last few months preparing and I don't think much time passed without making plans and talking about the next twelve months. So while he was training we tried to make our texting fun and not stressful. Texting verbage often involves shortened words or simply letters like ttyl or lol. Eric sent me a text with the letters, ctm, at the end. I'm pretty tuned in but I was unfamiliar with what that meant. So I finally bit and asked, "What's ctm?" He replied, "Well, I don't usually lol...'cause I don't laugh out loud so I don't text it but I do often times ctm....chuckle to myself". And that actually made me lol!
We have had some pretty awesome support over the last few months while preparing and I want to say some thank yous that are on my mind right now...I know I will have many, many more through the year and will remember even more kindnesses shown our family.
* To our Christ Renews brothers and sisters who have been amazing support: You were the first ones to learn of Eric and Brady's deployment and have stood by us in friendhip and prayers. You totally shocked us with a gift of a laptop for Eric to take with. I cannot tell you how much that will help us communicate. Not every soldier is so fortunate to have their own.
* To my awesome girlfriends who already have lunch scheduled for Friday: Thank you for holding my hand, watching my back, and always making me laugh!
* To our neighbor Jason Johnston: You blessed my husband immensely by filling the external memory with movies but esp. with all of the music. The music was such a surprise to him and brought tears to his eyes.
* To all my family and friends: Thank you for your unending expressions of love and support. I hope I only get to call you through the year for no particular reason at all.
Tonight we celebrated Eric's birthday a couple of days early. We gave him a gift-certificate for a year free of doing dishes! I tried one more time to stop the clock by passing food counterclockwise.... and I hope you all are experiencing a little cty at the moment...chuckle to yourself.
Love,
Monica
Prayer Requests:
1) Please pray for the sending ceremony Thursday which is also Eric's birthday.
2) I still need to purchase a lawn mower. But praise for my neighbor Yvonne who has been so kind to let us use hers in the meantime.
3) Pray Eric gets everything packed like he wants.
4) And please pray that there isn't even one thing that we've forgotten so we can move on to getting Brady ready and shipped.
Joshua 10:13b The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down for about a full day. (see..time stopped in the Old Testament...it could happen today! :) )
During the past month while Eric was gone we were able to text in the evenings before bed. And we did test out our skype capabilities a couple of times. We are told the delay with the video calling is quite delayed but we should be able to call using skype fairly easily. It is very difficult to not get stressed and emotional during such a stressful and emotional time. So we worked very hard over the last few months preparing and I don't think much time passed without making plans and talking about the next twelve months. So while he was training we tried to make our texting fun and not stressful. Texting verbage often involves shortened words or simply letters like ttyl or lol. Eric sent me a text with the letters, ctm, at the end. I'm pretty tuned in but I was unfamiliar with what that meant. So I finally bit and asked, "What's ctm?" He replied, "Well, I don't usually lol...'cause I don't laugh out loud so I don't text it but I do often times ctm....chuckle to myself". And that actually made me lol!
We have had some pretty awesome support over the last few months while preparing and I want to say some thank yous that are on my mind right now...I know I will have many, many more through the year and will remember even more kindnesses shown our family.
* To our Christ Renews brothers and sisters who have been amazing support: You were the first ones to learn of Eric and Brady's deployment and have stood by us in friendhip and prayers. You totally shocked us with a gift of a laptop for Eric to take with. I cannot tell you how much that will help us communicate. Not every soldier is so fortunate to have their own.
* To my awesome girlfriends who already have lunch scheduled for Friday: Thank you for holding my hand, watching my back, and always making me laugh!
* To our neighbor Jason Johnston: You blessed my husband immensely by filling the external memory with movies but esp. with all of the music. The music was such a surprise to him and brought tears to his eyes.
* To all my family and friends: Thank you for your unending expressions of love and support. I hope I only get to call you through the year for no particular reason at all.
Tonight we celebrated Eric's birthday a couple of days early. We gave him a gift-certificate for a year free of doing dishes! I tried one more time to stop the clock by passing food counterclockwise.... and I hope you all are experiencing a little cty at the moment...chuckle to yourself.
Love,
Monica
Prayer Requests:
1) Please pray for the sending ceremony Thursday which is also Eric's birthday.
2) I still need to purchase a lawn mower. But praise for my neighbor Yvonne who has been so kind to let us use hers in the meantime.
3) Pray Eric gets everything packed like he wants.
4) And please pray that there isn't even one thing that we've forgotten so we can move on to getting Brady ready and shipped.
Joshua 10:13b The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down for about a full day. (see..time stopped in the Old Testament...it could happen today! :) )
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Cell Phones for Soldiers
Eric received one of these phone cards in a care package he received. Check it out for an easy way to donate and find a home for old cell phones in need of a home.
More information to follow soon with addresses.
Love,
Monica
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
More information to follow soon with addresses.
Love,
Monica
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
Monday, June 21, 2010
One more hello, one more big goodbye
This past weekend was wonderful with Eric home on leave. And, as usual, time did not stop for even a second. But I am thankful that he didn't have to be back for formation until 10am this Monday morning. It allowed us to have one really fun evening at the movies with Logan, Laramy, and Ayden and it extended his Father's Day. I am looking forward to picking him up on Friday for one more hello.
We spent the weekend having nothing planned which Eric really needed. It is also highly recommended during these last few days with family. His days have been scheduled up and long. Saturday morning he asked me to take him out to Pammel Park so he could hike back. I dropped him off and went home so Ayden and I could ride our bikes out to meet him. Ayden and I met him around the egg farm and he was doing well. We finished our ride and he arrived home a few minutes after us. Yes, he has already dropped some weight so I can't imagine what a year is going to bring for him.
Saturday evening we had a really nice time grilling with Brenden, Sarah, Logan, Laramy, and Ayden. We had a storm wrestle its way through Winterset Friday morning so Brenden, Sarah, and Eric and I went for a ride to see the damage after dinner. And then we all picked up sticks in the yard from the storm and planted some plants and a bush that I got Eric for Father's Day.
We are missing Brady and Jayme. Brady has been gone since June 4th at annual training. He is currently in Minnesota and will return towards the end of the month before Eric leaves. I am looking forward to spending time with them in July before Brady deploys August 5th.
Our last week together will be very quiet. I am thankful for families who have done this before us and can give us guidance on how to prepare. We think we have everything done we could get done. But I am sure I will find things. For now, I am trying to be faithful until I have to say one more big goodbye.
Prayer Requests:
1) Pray I find the money, time, and knowledge to purchase the right mower.
2) Pray for the kids. This is very difficult for them and I know they don't necessarily know how to show their emotions.
3) Pray for Brady and Jayme as they face deployment.
4) Pray we all handle the sending ceremony and saying goodbye one last time with as much emotional grace we can find.
Hebrews 12: 1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Love,
Monica
We spent the weekend having nothing planned which Eric really needed. It is also highly recommended during these last few days with family. His days have been scheduled up and long. Saturday morning he asked me to take him out to Pammel Park so he could hike back. I dropped him off and went home so Ayden and I could ride our bikes out to meet him. Ayden and I met him around the egg farm and he was doing well. We finished our ride and he arrived home a few minutes after us. Yes, he has already dropped some weight so I can't imagine what a year is going to bring for him.
Saturday evening we had a really nice time grilling with Brenden, Sarah, Logan, Laramy, and Ayden. We had a storm wrestle its way through Winterset Friday morning so Brenden, Sarah, and Eric and I went for a ride to see the damage after dinner. And then we all picked up sticks in the yard from the storm and planted some plants and a bush that I got Eric for Father's Day.
Sunday brought mass and a lazy, nappy afternoon. We decided to make some memories and go see Toy Story 3 in 3D. Eric, Ayden, and Laramy hadn't seen a 3D movie yet. We chose to go to the 3D and HD theater. It was a great movie and we all enjoyed it. I know I am particularly emotionally vulnerable but I think I would have gotten teary at the end even if Eric wasn't deploying in light of how the story line parallels my life right now with Logan.
Our last week together will be very quiet. I am thankful for families who have done this before us and can give us guidance on how to prepare. We think we have everything done we could get done. But I am sure I will find things. For now, I am trying to be faithful until I have to say one more big goodbye.
Prayer Requests:
1) Pray I find the money, time, and knowledge to purchase the right mower.
2) Pray for the kids. This is very difficult for them and I know they don't necessarily know how to show their emotions.
3) Pray for Brady and Jayme as they face deployment.
4) Pray we all handle the sending ceremony and saying goodbye one last time with as much emotional grace we can find.
Hebrews 12: 1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Love,
Monica
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Early Morning Agri-business report featuring the 734th
This video ran early Wednesday morning...no Eric but nice to watch.
Love,
Monica
http://www.whotv.com/videobeta/72e19490-f9e8-475e-9ac3-9d03f47be598/News/Morning-Agribusiness-Report-6-9-10-
Love,
Monica
http://www.whotv.com/videobeta/72e19490-f9e8-475e-9ac3-9d03f47be598/News/Morning-Agribusiness-Report-6-9-10-
Facebook page
The 734th Agri-Business Development team has a Facebook page if you are interested and would like to see what they are doing. I haven't looked at all of the pictures but I spotted Eric in a few of them.
Love,
Monica
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/734th-Agri-Business-Development-Team-Iowa-National-Guard-Dirt-Warriors/133244123357719
Love,
Monica
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/734th-Agri-Business-Development-Team-Iowa-National-Guard-Dirt-Warriors/133244123357719
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Work, eat, sleep, play, struggle, never give up and live for the downhill!
The Catalpa trees were in full bloom yesterday. The smell was intoxicating while I worked my daily miles on my bike. Every time I rode past and smelled the sweet smell, I was reminded I only know what a Catalpa tree is because of my husband. He has such a love and excitement for trees that I have never seen in another person. I have teased him often. But yesterday I just felt a love and warmth for him and a thankfulness for the knowledge I have gained just from knowing him. A hike in the woods, a drive, or a simple walk down the street with Eric and his love for trees and nature becomes incredibly evident. He sees things that most of us would simply pass by. If you ever get a chance for a hike in the woods with him, take it. I know I will never pass another opportunity as I have done in the past.
Eric and I celebrated our 24th anniversary yesterday, June 7th. We were fortunate to be able to spend a couple of hours together on Sunday evening. He is well. He is soldiering hard. It was very difficult leaving him once again. One of my friends urged me to take every opportunity I have to see him. So even though it was difficult, I am glad I went. I honestly can't believe 24 years have passed until I start thinking about everything we have been through in this life; good and bad.
When I am on my bike, I spend a lot of time thinking, praying, talking to myself, or talking to the trees and animals. I have always loved biking. I didn't really start riding seriously until I was 40. And I completed my first RAGBRAI (lifelong dream) at 42. And this year as I prepare once again, I am faced with many physical challenges. Can I do it? I don't know. But I am choosing to walk, or ride, this path.
My bike has taught me many things about life. I have heard, more than I've ever heard in my life, people say, "I couldn't do it. I couldn't ride my bike two miles let alone across the state". I chose to take up biking. I don't always choose my paths in life. I choose the paths I want. I don't ever choose stressful paths, do I? Or do I? I hear the same words from people whether I am talking about RAGBRAI or deployment. I can't, I couldn't, I don't want to, not me, I don't know how you can do it....but don't we just have to walk paths that we choose and those that we didn't ask for in the same way?
My current challenge with Eric deploying is no different than riding my bike across the state of Iowa. He loves being a soldier. I love riding my bike. If he always sat on the bench, would his love of the military be fulfilled? If I never challenged myself to a difficult uphill, what would I gain?
Everyone has choices and challenges in life. I choose my faith and my God to get me through each one, even on my bike. I look just ahead of my front tire on a long uphill journey, praying the whole way, and before I know it I have reached the top. And then I receive the prize of a wonderful downhill ride! At the end of this year-long uphill climb my prize will be a wonderful hike in the woods.
Prayer requests:
1) Eric is facing many physical demands and he reports to me that he hasn't been this physically active and worked so hard in years. Pray he has stamina and no injuries.
2) Lawn mower.... um..our lawn mower and my new car didn't get along so well..my car is fine and the lawn mower is totalled. Parties involved shall remain nameless because they are gone and can't defend themselves. :) Pray I find the right mower to purchase in a timely fashion so we don't have to bring in a baler.
3) As always, safety for all military members and safe returns to their families.
4) Please pray for a dear friend, Terri, who received news that the tumor she had removed was cancerous.
5) Praise for a new friend, Jessica, who's husband is also deploying.
love,
Monica
When I am on my bike, I spend a lot of time thinking, praying, talking to myself, or talking to the trees and animals. I have always loved biking. I didn't really start riding seriously until I was 40. And I completed my first RAGBRAI (lifelong dream) at 42. And this year as I prepare once again, I am faced with many physical challenges. Can I do it? I don't know. But I am choosing to walk, or ride, this path.
My bike has taught me many things about life. I have heard, more than I've ever heard in my life, people say, "I couldn't do it. I couldn't ride my bike two miles let alone across the state". I chose to take up biking. I don't always choose my paths in life. I choose the paths I want. I don't ever choose stressful paths, do I? Or do I? I hear the same words from people whether I am talking about RAGBRAI or deployment. I can't, I couldn't, I don't want to, not me, I don't know how you can do it....but don't we just have to walk paths that we choose and those that we didn't ask for in the same way?
My current challenge with Eric deploying is no different than riding my bike across the state of Iowa. He loves being a soldier. I love riding my bike. If he always sat on the bench, would his love of the military be fulfilled? If I never challenged myself to a difficult uphill, what would I gain?
Everyone has choices and challenges in life. I choose my faith and my God to get me through each one, even on my bike. I look just ahead of my front tire on a long uphill journey, praying the whole way, and before I know it I have reached the top. And then I receive the prize of a wonderful downhill ride! At the end of this year-long uphill climb my prize will be a wonderful hike in the woods.
Prayer requests:
1) Eric is facing many physical demands and he reports to me that he hasn't been this physically active and worked so hard in years. Pray he has stamina and no injuries.
2) Lawn mower.... um..our lawn mower and my new car didn't get along so well..my car is fine and the lawn mower is totalled. Parties involved shall remain nameless because they are gone and can't defend themselves. :) Pray I find the right mower to purchase in a timely fashion so we don't have to bring in a baler.
3) As always, safety for all military members and safe returns to their families.
4) Please pray for a dear friend, Terri, who received news that the tumor she had removed was cancerous.
5) Praise for a new friend, Jessica, who's husband is also deploying.
love,
Monica
Saturday, June 5, 2010
How will we make it?
A friend reminded me today with this post (click on the link below) on Facebook that God wants to hear all we have to say to Him. As long as our focus is on Him, it doesn't matter if we are happy, sad, angry, terrified, or ecstatic. That's how we will make it through this year. And we won't stop when Eric returns. That's how we will make it through every moment for the rest of our lives!
Thanks, Lisa Carlson! You are a huge inspiration to me with all you have gone through and I'm blessed to call you friend!
Love,
Monica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOHJghBU0XA&feature=player_embedded
Thanks, Lisa Carlson! You are a huge inspiration to me with all you have gone through and I'm blessed to call you friend!
Love,
Monica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOHJghBU0XA&feature=player_embedded
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Des Moines Register Article
We were alerted this morning by our son, Brenden, to an article in the Des Moines Register today. I have a busy day ahead but I thought I would take the time to share. Seeing things like this makes it really easy to stand behind my husband and support him and not be so sad that he is not here with us.
Oh..and...thanks for the prayers....I will be able to see Eric on Sunday for our 24th anniversary which is actuallly on Monday. I'll take it!
Love,
Monica
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100603/BUSINESS01/6030343/1029/BUSINESS/Guard-speciality-unit-aspires-to-improve-Afghan-farm-yields
Oh..and...thanks for the prayers....I will be able to see Eric on Sunday for our 24th anniversary which is actuallly on Monday. I'll take it!
Love,
Monica
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100603/BUSINESS01/6030343/1029/BUSINESS/Guard-speciality-unit-aspires-to-improve-Afghan-farm-yields
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Difficult is not the word
Logan's graduation day is over already. We've essentially prepared for his day since the day he was born. It's an old cliche' that speaks to how quickly children grow up. When you don't want time to pass quickly, it does. Why? And tonight I'm sitting here listening to the thunderstorm while time trickles by.
I picked Eric up Friday evening and all of a sudden I was dropping him off again. The weekend passed too quickly. I don't have words to describe what it felt like. I know I wanted to turn my car around. I knew I had to keep driving. Everyone may think I am strong but I don't want to do this. I don't feel the need to test my strength. I do want to do a good job. I don't want to face this year alone. I do want to rush into his arms at his homecoming.
I remember when I was a kid and I felt Christmas would never come and a year was eternity. And now as an adult I struggle to put wrapping paper away and take lights off the house because time gets away from me before it's almost time to put them up again. Will this year pass quickly? Will I blink and it be over just like my kids growing up? A weekday morning can slip by but a Sunday afternoon and evening can drag with lonliness. What will we experience with our time in the next year?
I was looking at my calendar today and beginning in July things look pretty quiet. I should schedule my days, plan my trips. But I don't want to do anything without Eric. I should work more. No. I should be home with the kids.
I can only say that I see how conflicted my emotions are already in just a week and a half of him being active. I do realize I can't put my life or the kids' lives on hold. And I know things will change. People change over the course of a year even if it is just a hairstyle. In this next year, the kids will change grades without their dad.
Difficult is not the word for deployment. I'm not sure if there is one word to describe it. So I will write. Perceived fast or slow, time never stops for anything even my kids growing up. And maybe at the end of this journey we will have a better description.
Prayer requests:
1) Safety
2) Sanity for all who desire it :)
3) Time and time management for the boys and I
Psalm 91: 9-11
You have the Lord for your refuge; you have made the Most High your stronghold. No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways.
Love,
Monica
I picked Eric up Friday evening and all of a sudden I was dropping him off again. The weekend passed too quickly. I don't have words to describe what it felt like. I know I wanted to turn my car around. I knew I had to keep driving. Everyone may think I am strong but I don't want to do this. I don't feel the need to test my strength. I do want to do a good job. I don't want to face this year alone. I do want to rush into his arms at his homecoming.
I remember when I was a kid and I felt Christmas would never come and a year was eternity. And now as an adult I struggle to put wrapping paper away and take lights off the house because time gets away from me before it's almost time to put them up again. Will this year pass quickly? Will I blink and it be over just like my kids growing up? A weekday morning can slip by but a Sunday afternoon and evening can drag with lonliness. What will we experience with our time in the next year?
I was looking at my calendar today and beginning in July things look pretty quiet. I should schedule my days, plan my trips. But I don't want to do anything without Eric. I should work more. No. I should be home with the kids.
I can only say that I see how conflicted my emotions are already in just a week and a half of him being active. I do realize I can't put my life or the kids' lives on hold. And I know things will change. People change over the course of a year even if it is just a hairstyle. In this next year, the kids will change grades without their dad.
Difficult is not the word for deployment. I'm not sure if there is one word to describe it. So I will write. Perceived fast or slow, time never stops for anything even my kids growing up. And maybe at the end of this journey we will have a better description.
Prayer requests:
1) Safety
2) Sanity for all who desire it :)
3) Time and time management for the boys and I
Psalm 91: 9-11
You have the Lord for your refuge; you have made the Most High your stronghold. No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways.
Love,
Monica
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