Over Memorial Day weekend we traveled to my parents home in NM to attend my nieces high school graduation. My oldest brother lives near my parents and runs the family ranch. His daughter Ashlee, their third child graduated on Saturday. My brother from NY was there along with my sister and her family from OK. Due to the many miles that seperate us, sometimes we only see each other for these family get togethers at my parents house.

As always it was very good to see everyone. And it is always nice to be "home". My parents have lived in the same house for more than 47 years. Wow!!!!

Here are some photos from the weekend.

No matter how many time I complain about the moving or housing I have to say that I wouldn't change my life for anything. Because of the Military I have meet some really incredible people. Here are some pictures of our weekend get togethers.

Terry volunteered this year to coach Dylan's soccer team. It has been rough going with all the rain, but the team has improved tenfold as they have finally gotten to play a few games. With the help of one of Terry's small group members, who actually still plays soccer the team has learned some valuable skills that will serve them in future seasons. Only one more game to go for the Spring Soccer season.

We left mostly sunny California on Dec 30 and arrived to very wintery Kansas on January 18th. Thought it might be fun to post some before and after photos. To our California friends we miss you guys and the seals barking at night.

Okay now that I know how to do the slide thing you guys are in so much trouble.

Saturday was the big Fishing Derby at the little lakes next to our house. Dylan, Tyler and Terry were staking out their spot at 8:00am. The Derby started at 9:00. Tyler caught his biggest fish before the Derby began, but Dad didn't have a camera. Tyler caught two during the derby, the biggest measuring 14in. Dylan caught one, measuring 15 inches. By the time the Derby had ended it was very hot and they were glad to be done.

Today was the Funeral for Col. James W. Harrison Jr., 47 here at Fort Leavenworth. Here is a link so that you may read more about Col. Harrison.
www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/news/news1.txt

He was killed in Afghanistan by small arms fire. The actual event was very horrible. It is something that makes us all question whether our soldiers can make a difference in Afghanistan and Iraq. They have a way of life that makes any moral person shudder.

All that aside it was a very moving experience to see the support our soldiers have. There is a group of Bikers called the "Patriot Guard" that gather at almost every military funeral to escort the body. Apparently they provide a buffer between the body and any protesters and it is also a huge show of support for the family. Today there was an estimated 100 bikes.
http://www.patriotguard.org/

A friend just forwarded an email from a friend of hers that is looking for military families to contribute to a Magazine article about long deployments and the effects on family. I emailed back saying I was one of the lucky ones and had only had one 14 month deployment, but could give her the names of several families that have been through multiple. I am certainly not an expert, but we all find ways to cope and make it through whatever comes our way. While Terry was deployed so many people would come up to me and say "oh I could never do what you are doing, I just couldn't make it." My fathers banker came up to me at the end and said "I admire you so much, because every time I saw you with your boys you were smiling and making it look so easy for them." That was my Philosophy while he was gone, Never Never let the boys see how sad, scared or hard it was for me. I had many moments when I felt sorry for myself and wished that Terry had been there for Jason's birth, or for Christmas. If you keep telling yourself you can do anything you can. Right now deployments are part of the package for military families and without the military I wouldn't know the very courageous women and brave men that it is comprised of.

I joined a local gym Monday. A couple of my friends go so maybe we can get together and do some crazy body twisting and breathing excercises and then come home and laugh at each other. Since hight school I havn't been very good about regular excercise. I go for years not doing it and then I pick it up again. Not only do I feel better when I am doing regular exercise, but my dispostion is much better. I am a much happier person. I will let you know if I drop a size.

My mom sent me this picture of the Catholic Church where I grew up. Just a little history it was built in 1906 on my Great Grandfathers land and my family donated the pews. I think the original pews are still in the Church, they have been stained a few times and the kneelers were carpeted when I was in elementary. Not only did I attend Church there till I was 18, but I was married there and all three of my boys were Baptised there. Yes for all you really observant ones that is an outhouse in back.

The neighborhood party patrol could not pass up Cinco De Mayo without a celebration. It was a total success with way too much food and a little too Tequila. Besides some pesky wind, the weather cooperated and we had a wonderful evening. My friend Angie looked up Cinco De Mayo and found the true meaning here it is paraphrased "the celebration of the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862". Thanks to Angie for educating us on why we need to drink lots of Tequila on the 5th of May.

The Lady that watches Jason a couple of times a week has a Bulldog puppy that we play with every time we go to pick up Jason. This weekend she and her family went out of town so we got to "dog sit" Darth. Cats are in shock and hiding. Boys love it. Terry has wanted a Bulldog for ever. Do you think we will have to get one after this weekend?

One of the drawbacks and blessings with a military life is meeting and leaving friends. In the 11 years since Terry went back on Active Duty I have met many wonderful Women. I think about all of you with very fond memories and hope we can get together and giggle about this or that. Here in Fort Leavenworth our "group" is very special. We range from almost 30 to barely 40 and our husbands are mostly different branches. In all likely hood we will not be stationed together again after we leave here. I would just like to thank my new friends for making me laugh, smile and love life everyday. You are all incredible ladies.

The weather finally cooperated long enough to get one Soccer game in. It was hot and muggy. Tyler did very well. He plays defense very well. The little kids are so fun to watch. At this age they know they want to go to the goal, but getting there without tripping, bumping into their own teammates or the other team is quite a battle. It is nice to see their determination and the development of their skills.