Thank You Veterans!

Take a few minutes this Veterans’ Day and thank a veteran. My husband served in the Marines as his father before him. My four brothers served in the Army, three of them were paratroopers who jumped out of “perfectly good airplanes,” as they would often say.

My Dad was unable to serve in the armed forces. On a given Tuesday evening when I was a little girl, my father would open a box from the dry cleaners and pull out a crisp white shirt, put on his suit and tie and head over to the Vet’s Hospital to visit the vets. I am proud of my father’s service to others. Even though he could not serve, he honored the men who served our country by giving his time to those who could.

As I write of this, I am reminded of the countless vets from every war who never came back: “All gave some, Some gave all.”

Thank you to all who served and continue to serve.

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corp.

For 236 years the few and the proud have served our country. Many think only of the battles fought but I think of the men today who individually signed on to serve and protect our nation. My 89 year old  Father-in-law was in the Radar Battalion in the Pacific Theater during World War II.  He earned a Purple Heart but never talks about it.  He doesn't talk about the fighting either. He has maintained that he likes to focus on the good time. I think he is one of the bravest men I know.

My husband joined the Marines in 1969. I was devastated. He was my high school sweetheart and I just could not bear the thought of  him leaving during the Vietnam war. The draft was still being enforced and while his service could be deferred while he was in college he chose to enlist. He was not called to battle, for that I thank God.

Both men honor the Both are proud they served and I believe that sets them apart. The way they stand, the discipline, the stick-to-it-iveness is amazing.

The Commandant of the Marines sent a special message that I found on Facebook today. If you know a Marine in active duty, thank him for his service! If you know a Marine veteran, honor them too!

Semper Fidelis.

 I took a pledge to spend 30 days of giving.  What can I give as one person in the cog of a much larger wheel? As I think of this my heart shouts that I can give time. Time for others is a tremendous gift for young mothers who need time for themselves. They have so much on their plates and when the babysitter can't come, it is a blessing to have someone step in and say I will take your child. I will welcome them and make them feel loved.  I like to give this time to my daughters when I can. I know that I would do this whether being challenged or not. However, when a child is teething or needs a  hug when they crash and burn it takes patience to take time to smile and give a child what they need right now. It is easy to be busy and when children are around that changes what we want to get done for the day. I like to remember the words to a song I like from Steven Curtis Chapman: "You are changing the world, one little heartbeat at a time..." small but mighty changes to my agenda are powerful when it comes to the love we give a child.

Cheesy Chicken, Rice and Beans....

I follow many a blog and one blog leads me to another....a few days back I found Musings of a Housewife and found myself enjoying her menu planning and recipes. Sometimes I just can't decide what to make for dinner. Is anyone else in the same boat? I found her recipes practical and healthy with simple things I have on hand. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is just what I have in mind for a day like today! It was super easy to make and while it was cooking I just enjoyed that wonderful aroma of delicious dinner is on the way smell that fills the kitchen. It was a hit with my husband too so this recipe is now encased in a clear page protector and will reside in my special make again binder!  Check out Jo-Lynne's blog and try out this recipe! http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2011/10/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-casserole.html

Enjoy~

Farmgirl Gourmet - Delicious Recipes for the Home Cook: Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte

Farmgirl Gourmet - Delicious Recipes for the Home Cook: Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte

This is a great fall treat! Check out this link so you can make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home! Serve it in your favorite cup and saucer and you will feel like  you are out in the most comfortable coffee spot in town!

Happy Halloween!

Enjoy the 'spirit' of the day.. and add a bit of whimsy of your own! 

Live View of the Running Ribbon

Here is a live action shot of the Susan G Komen for the Cure Running Ribbon. When I see this logo I think of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! October 2003 was the year I celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness every day from my annual mammogram on October 2nd to my Lumpectomy Surgery on the 27th. Whew I was busy that month and thereafter until January 23, 2004 when I completed my final radiation treatment.  After that, I slowed down enough to let the impact of it all sink in.          Now I just try to give back so that others may reach that day of realizing that they survived!

Pink Bird of Hope

I found this little Pink Bird of Hope at my local Hallmarks shop one day and decided this would be my annual October Breast Cancer Month treat. She is so tiny, just barely an inch.

My bird is reminiscent of the Bluebird of Happiness.
 I gave the Blue bird to a good friend of mine for a birthday gift because it reminded me of all the times we've spent together shopping ,gabbing and enjoying a leisurely lunch. As I look upon my Pink Bird of Happiness I am reminded of my good friends and family who provided such joy and support when I was undergoing my cancer treatment eight years ago...and for all days in between. This little treasure is a gem so valuable for the reminder of all the gifts God has given me. Sometimes it is the simplest gifts of love and support that mean the most.

Breast Cancer....looking back to day one of the "journey"

Here is a picture of me...
 taken this past summer on my birthday
 with my husband and tow of our grandchildren!

Today I am celebrating my 8th anniversary as a Breast Cancer Survivor! Thinking about that day gives me pause to reflect on everything that diagnosis meant to me. I was so surprised! Not angry, worried or emotional, just surprise. Maybe shock is really the word.

I worked hard to prove it didn't bother me and that things were just as they were the day before. I did not want to be perceived as a victim or a weepy woman that was going to yo to pieces. I wanted to be strong and to show that I believed I would make it onto the other side of that mountainous journey they call Breast Cancer! But, I had a hard time waiting because I am the woman who wants to know everything now...the whole picture and know what I had to do to get through it. However, wait I did because the cancer crew just envelopes you in their net and you simply get on their circuit that takes you from one meeting to another over and over. I could not see what this treatment would look like and in my mind, I wanted to see it and get it done. Scared? No....just ready for it to all be behind me.

I forgot one thing though...cancer is like grief, in that you have to actually go through it to come out on the other side. You go through each day and the day after. You just do.....and I made it! I still think of the whole experience; it was quite a journey, but I made it.

Fall!

Ah, fall is in the air, the night was cool, the air crisp and fog blanketed the fields this morning as my grandson played soccer. He commented tonight that he enjoyed watching the fog disappear while he played his game. He is so observant, so vibrant in his descriptions that some days it is hard to believe that in a mere month he will be eight years old. He is wise in his youth, wise in ways we can no longer be because he has the curiosity and interest of a child. Every day is fresh with new things to discover. His interest in nature is so inspiring to me as it reminds me how important it is to live in the present and enjoy life in the now!  What a joy it is to spend time with him and see things new again!

Ah....Road Rage-ous Driving!

I had an interesting road rage encounter with a mailman today...apparently I went ahead of my turn at a 4 way stop so he followed me closer and closer, swerving back and forth to get my attention...he had  my full attention, believe me! He kept raising his hand in a raging manner for nearly a mile when we got to the stop sign. He pulled up next to me and just screamed! And screamed some more. I had no idea what he was saying but I felt every word like a slap to my face. I kept saying I was sorry, using apologetic gestures as sincerely as I could beyond getting out of the car. He just ranted and raged, finally waving me away as if he swatted a fly before turning the corner in the direction of the post office.  I had to go to a doctor appointment but afterwards I stopped by the post office and spoke to the manager. Apparently this postman carried his anger to the workplace as the manager had already heard about it. I mentioned that I made a mistake by turning out of turn but the postman's behavior was unbecoming of anyone wearing the uniform of a government agency. I proceeded to tell him what had occurred and his jaw dropped! He indicated that this postman has had issues with anger; it wasn't the first time! He assured me he was going to call the fellow's supervisor at the post office the man was based out of. He said this behavior had to stop. The manager also said he makes mistakes himself and that he was sorry that this had happened. I was sorry I missed my turn in line, it was unintentional but seriously that man's behavior carried things too far. Good grief! They know the guy has anger problems! I know people who would love to have his job who have no anger problems.....

I believe there is too much anger in society today. Kindness and a little patience go a long way. Practicing it in the car is a pretty good idea and keeps a little more civility on the roadways!