Tired

Friends it has been a long time since I have posted to my blog. We have had a full few months. Brandon came home for Christmas and got married the day after Christmas to a lovely young lady named Joana. They proceeded to hop into a large moving van and drive from Southern California to Goose Creek, South Carolina. They made it in 3 1/2 days. Joana said she had to remind Brandon that girls need a potty stop every once in a while.
Brandon is back in Nuclear school and Joana is settling in to base housing and military life. Our oldest Charles and his wife Emily are doing well so that leaves one "child" at home-Ashley. She is 21 and in her last year of college.
God is moving in my life but I am not sure I understand where He is heading. It is weird to be this old and find out I have personal issues that are still rearing their ugly heads. I am trying to stay positive but the negative part of me is working overtime. I am trying to find that part of me that is good and positive-I pray God will guide me back to the road easily traveled.

Long time-no post

Well a lot has happened since my last post. We had the distinct pleasure of watching our son Brandon graduate from Navy boot camp. It is sobering to see your son stand in uniform and take the oath to serve his country. Pride does not even begin to describe how a mother feels. Brandon is now at Nuclear Engineering school in South Carolina which means Chris and I are down to one "child" left at home. That "child" is actually our 21 year old daughter-Ashley. Time has somehow moved on without asking if that was okay with the mom! Ashley will graduate from nursing in one year and that means she too will head out to start the life God has planned for her.
That means that Chris and I will be once again on our own. How did time move so quickly? I sit here and wonder if I really took time to enjoy each moment with my kids. I hope I did but I know that time was wasted cleaning and worrying about the unimportant stuff.
I always told my kids that I was not perfect, to keep track of those moments, write them in a "book" and when they were of age we should publish the book and make a mint of money. Well, I know they kept the book mentally-the good, the funny and the tough stuff-but we did not make a mint. What we did make was memories that we share and enjoy.
Take time to enjoy your kids, let the dishes pile up and laugh, cry and smile with those precious children.

Westward HO!

My dad is a great fan of the western, which comes naturally since he was a ranch hand in his early years. I have spent many Saturdays watching westerns with my dad much to the chagrin of my mother. I have come to love a good western and as I travel home from Chicago the old familiar phrase of "wagons HO! stick in my mind. A road trip is quite exciting especially when you get to see your son as he steps out on a new phase of life, visit with old friends and family.
You forget that family knows all about you, things that mere friends can never know, and still accept you. In each family there is a keeper of the history, that one person who loves to tell the story that brought us where we are today. My cousin Nadine is that keeper for me. As we walked through her home this last week I found out more about my great-grandparents than I had ever known. The thing that stuck with me was the sweet tone with which she spoke of my great grandmother. I never had the pleasure to meet Grandma Goodman, yet I now have an impression of her that will stay with me all my life. Thanks Nadine!

4th of July-Freedom

Today I had the distinct pleasure and pride to watch my son Brandon salute a commanding officer as we crossed the Navy base. I have also watched how other people-strangers-react to his presence. Many have come up to him and shook his hand while thanking him for his service to his country. As tomorrow is the 4th of July his service is even more important. At his graduation the Admiral said that the 691 sailors in front of us were "volunteering" to serve their country. How very special it is to see these young men and women make this choice.

I have had time to talk with Brandon and I know that God has guided him to this career. May God continue to guide him each step of the way.

To all who have served our country and to all who will serve I thank you. God bless America!!!

All Grown Up

You know that your job as a parent is pretty much done when you see one of your children graduate from Navy Boot Camp. It was quite impressive to see our son Brandon march into the review hall at Navy RTC. He did not look like the young man I sent to RTC. We have spent two days listening to all he has accomplished these past eight weeks. I am proud of the man he has become and even prouder to see how he interacts with strangers who thank him for his service. May God be his final commander and may he continue on this path.

On the Road Again

I love a road trip, especially with my husband. We left California on Saturday, June 26th. First stop was Flagstaff, AZ where we spent time with my cousin Robert, his wife Elizabeth and their precious daughter Esemee. We had such a great time. It is amazing how much you fail to know about your own family because most of your time together is limited to those family events like Christmas, etc. We laughed about child hood pranks, enjoyed each other as adults and just laughed.

I can say that I am blessed to have Robert as my cousin. We left Flagstaff and drove to Texas. Not much to say about Texas but it is a good place to drive through on your way to somewhere else.

We then stopped in Oklahoma for good food and some sightseeing. Oh yeah, the reason for this road trip is to go see our son Brandon who is due to graduate from Navy RTC on July 01st. Take time to travel this great country!

Go Navy!

The time is almost here to watch our son Brandon graduate from Navy Boot camp at Great Lakes, IL. We have received a couple of last letters from Brandon and can already tell my little boy is now a Navy Man! I am so proud that my son has chosen to serve his country. Today serving in the military is fraught with issues from the public at large. No matter what "they" say we know that serving this country is of the highest calling.

Brandon has one last challenge which is the "Battle-station 21". It looks intense but God will be his guide. I pray that God will protect him these last six days and deliver to me a new man. Not only a man created by the Navy but molded by God.

Go Navy!