In memory of Sydney

On March 4, 2009 we had to put our beloved kitty of 14 years to sleep. That was the first time I've ever had to make that decision and it was a very hard one. His kidney's were failing and he had diabetes not mention his age. I feel our decision was the right one, it was one to free him of any pain.

Sid we miss you.

Call me crazy...

but I cooked for our dog tonight. I made a Rachel Ray recipe for him, she actually puts doggie recipes in her magazine. Needless to say, Leroy loved it. It was pretty economical and who knows what is in commerical food. This recipe is very easy also. So to all you dog lovers & cooks the recipe is as follows.

--Tuna Casserole--
1/2 cup whole milk
one 6 ounce can tuna in water, drained
1 cup cooked egg noodles
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons grated parmesan-reggiano cheese

--In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Mash in tuna. Stir in noodles, peas and cheese. Let cool & serve.

All you doggies can thank me later.

Love is......

Valentine's is just around the corner, ya'll. So, how about pulling that special someone up close to you and tell them what they mean to you? If one on one isn't your style, find another creative way to show it. Make it personal. Like to bake, whip up something yummy. Think of your special talents and put them to good use. It isn't how much you do or how many dollars you spend, it's the thought that counts.
I've said it before, let your loved ones know how much they mean to you before they leave this world. Tomorrow could be too late.

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." J.M. Barrie

Oh yeah ladies, remember it's Go Red month. Keep that ticker in great shape so you'll be around for many more Valentine days to come. Visit http://www.goredforwomen.org/ for more information.

--But the greatest of these is love.........

Poem by Jesse

Jesse wrote this the day before the Crucible in boot camp.
Jesse, I hope you don't mind that I share this. It's to good to be kept a secret, plus your mom has it on Flickr.

Courage comes from many places
open fields and cramped up spaces
some people keep it in their pocket
or a chain or in a locket.
For some it's where you'd never look
for others it lies within a book
for me it comes from deep within where
all my dreams and thoughts begin.
My courage comes from the love I share
with all the people who show they care.
--Jesse A. Moon

Sad day

Today is a sad day for me as it is for the rest of the family. Jesse leaves today for 9 weeks of SOI training. After that who knows where.

His 17 day leave ended all to quickly but if he stays home much longer he won't fit into that neatly tailored uniform. He has been one eating machine. The Marine Corps gave him one huge appetite.

We didn't get to spend as much time with him as we would've liked. However, that's ok, he does have other family to see. Thank God for the time we did get to spend with him.

Jesse, we love you & are so very proud of you. You'll succeed in all you do no matter where or what it is you're doing. Ooh-rah!!

Honor--Courage--Commitment

Our nephew, Jesse graduated Marine Boot Camp on January 9, 2009.

01/08/09 We arrived at Parris Island for the Motovational Run and boy was it cold. It would be our first time seeing Jesse in 13 weeks. It was still not quite daylight when we arrived. However, we knew we were surrounded by Marines when we heard the "barking". The sun just had come up as the platoon's ran by us. We had to wait another 2 1/2 hours before they released him. As soon as he was freed he was ready for some real food. So we ate and he ate some more. We also talked and toured the Recruit Depot. I really showed my pride by purchasing a t-shirt, bracelet, charm and bumper stickers.However the day passed all too quickly, liberty was over. The anticipation was still high because tomorrow he will "ours" for 17 days. He got an extra 7 days off to help his recruiter. We sure are thankful for that extra time.

01/09/09 We arrived at the parade deck for graduation! 13 weeks of hard work has paid off. Actually, he says boot camp was easy. It was cool to see the platoons marching in perfect step, the Marine band and to hear the Howitzer artillery piece fire off. Everyone looked alike with their high/tight haircuts and neatly pressed uniforms. But we were able to spot Jesse among that sea of green. I was the first to get to him because I didn't want to lose him in that crowd. We all were beaming with pride and took photos to capture the moment. He's home now for a little while anyway. He reports to Camp Geiger (NC) on 1/27/09 for infantry training. That wouldn't be our pick for him but this is his dream not ours. Sometimes you just have to let go. We know God has His arms around him. We are full of pride and gratitude. Thanks to each and everyone that has chosen this path so that we all can enjoy our freedom.

Ooh-rah, Jesse. We love you.

"Some people live their whole lives and wonder if they made a difference. Marines do not have that problem."

--Former President Ronald Reagan

Happy New Year's To All

This was a Christmas of firsts for us. First of all, our nephew was in Marine Boot camp, so it was our first Christmas without his presence. Second, we got to stay home on Christmas day. We had the day all to ourselves. No place to go which is highly unusual for us. For the last 20 years we usually have four places to go in two days. This year was a nice change. We cooked our own meal and watched holiday movies all day. It was a wonderful, stress free day.

On December 21st we went to my mother in law, Betty's, for lunch. We had finger foods and ate too much as usual. Followed by, of course, presents. That was pretty much it for that day. That evening we went to church to see the kids play and of course, Santa.

Christmas Eve we went to my mom's for "brunch". We had bacon, eggs, grits, biscuits, french toast casserole and hash brown casserole. I made the last 2 and If I have to say so myself, they were yummy.

Our Christmas wasn't exciting or spectacular but enjoyed good food and great family times with our families.

Am I alone in that another year has quickly come and gone? It's amazing how quickly times flies by the older you get. I remember when I was in school and couldn't wait for Christmas to get here. Boy, did the time drag by. Now it flies by at lightening speed. Be careful time will get away from you if you let it.

We also have some firsts for the new year. Brian started his new hours at work. It's mostly like first shift hours which is going to be a challenge since he's worked second shift for so many years. I also have a new job within the hosptial and I can't wait to start something new.

On January 9th, our nephew becomes a Marine. Everyone, pray for his and all the other soldiers safety as they defend our great country. Hoo-Rah, Jesse.

We hope your New Year is filled with many firsts, good health and good times. We love ya'll.