Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Get a Blue Shirt...

WILL YOU WEAR BLUE???

International Picture of the Year Here are two very touching photos honored this year
First Place :
First Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport , Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.
During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

Second Place:
Second Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted.'
Blue Fridays
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is .'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Yard Work....

Well for those of you who either dont know or havent heard the story here goes. In December 2008 we started to have some standing water in the back yard. We called to get it looked at and they said we needed a new drain field. We said OK thats not too bad. Then the whole process started. John went to the Sumter County government office and filled out the paperwork to get the permit. Well about a wekk later we had all the paperwork filled out and were ready to pay. Then got there to turn it all in and pay and then their credit card machine didnt work. So we had to find the money to pay for it. FUN FUN!!! To bring this long BORING story to an end ---- they came out the fix the drainfield and found out we needed a whole new tank. The good news just kept on coming.


Since January 2009 we have had a backyard full of nothin but dirt. I would not let the girls play back there and get nasty (All I had were visions of pinworms). Finally here we are in April 2009 and we have put down sod, started a flower bed, started a new swingset area, and will be working on an area for seating.
New Sod














New Swing Set Area (new swing set soon)














Seating Area

Derby Day - Week of the Young Child

Last week The Villages Early Childhood Center took part in all sort of activities. On Friday they had what has become known as Derby Day. The PreK 3 kids made horses and rode those and the PreK 4 kids had "derby cars". Let me take a minute and describe these "cars". You're probably thinking miniture cars --- wrong ..... Picture banana boxes painted with all car pares made and attached. They were too funny and had a wonderful time.



"Daddy, will you come and read to my class?"

Over Sumter County's spring break John took a day out and went to read to Mrs. Kelly's PreK 4 class. Jenna was in heaven that her daddy was in her classroom. He took his favoriet book - The Pokey Little Puppy.

Jenna holding the book proudly.













Mrs. Kelly and some of her class













Jenna was all excited that she was able to help.
John had a wonderful time as well.













What's funny is ---- as I sit here typing this all I can think about is the fast that in about 4 weeks I will be the mom of a Kindergartener. I know this is said all the time and its really corney but I feel like only yesterday I brought her home from the hospital. I just have to remember that no matter how big she gets she is always going to be MY LITTLE GIRL. Jenna, I love you very much!!!

Friday, April 24, 2009

We took the girls to the aquarium and they had a wonderful time. Jenna loved petting (well looking) in the sting ray tank and Julia loved playing in the shells that were there. They are wanting to go back again.








Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Here I go...

Well this will be my first time as a "blogger" and we will see how it all works out. Check back for more information soon.