Happy Birthday Pam

Well I must apologize for being tardy about this Birthday announcement. But Pam celebrated her Birthday in grand fashion. Escorted by her Husband Jim she was treated to a wonderful dinner at Suicide Bridge Restaurant; nestled along Cabin Creek in Secretary Md. Dinner was wonderful followed by a serenade to "Happy Birthday" by the staff of the restaurant. complimented by the manager, Craig, buying her a birthday cake.
After dinner we arrive home to spend a glorious weekend plying with Pam's new Wii. She looks forward to many helpful workouts on Wii-fit and playing hand bells as well.

Where is everybody?

Hi guys! The blog's been very quiet lately so I thought I'd add a little humor from a 2 1/2 year old. If you find it crude, don't blame me, Kyle is only 2 1/2! Anyway, I had spray painted a small, metal outdoor side table a periwinkle blue. I didn't put anything under it when I painted it. Consequently, the grass also received a shot of blue. Kyle saw it and said, "Grammy, what happened to the grass?" I replied, as all Grammies do, "The Easter Bunny farted!" Which he thought was hysterical. Later when he saw the table he said, "Look Grammy, the Easter Bunny farted here too!" After which he let out a roaring burst of laughter!
What can I saw, we both have a lot of Dad (Clif) in us!!!
Happy day and Happy Easter to you all!
Much love,
Debbie

here is everybody?

Joe's Writing Contest Entry

Joe made another entry to the writing contest this year, and just like last year, he won his grade level. Thought you would all be interested in his entry.

My Most Prized Possession

Sitting at my desk, I delicately hold my most
prized possession—a small gold chain that once
belonged to my grandmother. Light observation
of the chain leads to close examination, and
small details of the chain soon become apparent.
The way the chain shimmers slightly from the
lamp above me, the intricate weaving of the gold
links that form the chain, and the small engraving
permanently etched on the clasp all become
visible.

These details soon yield thought, which then
leads to memories. These thoughts are the treasured
memories of my grandmother: the smells of
her home-cooking, the gentle sounds of her
voice, and the shine of her carefully pampered
hair all linger in my mind. It is at this moment
that I realize that the chain simply serves as a
reminder of times past: a carrier of what is truly
my most prized possession—my memories.

Joe Laverty GR 8
Menwith Hill EHS, England

Any Body Been to San Francisco?

I'm going to be in San Francisco for a business conference at the end of the month. Has anyone been there? I booked my trip a day early, which wasn't actually intentional. Obviously I have a problem with travel dates ;) I have a free day on Sunday. I'd love to go to Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, maybe even Alcatraz. Here's the deal. I'm going alone. How safe a city is SF? Steve won't go with me because he says it's much more dangerous for a heterosexual male there than an unaccompanied female. I say he needs to broaden his horizons. Anyway, what's the best way to get around the city? Will I be safe by myself outside in the day light? Is there anywhere I "must" go? Is there anywhere I need to beware of? I arrive at 10:15 Sunday morning and fly out Wednesday at 2:55.

Reunion Update

Here's the deal. I was not able to change the date on the house in Branson, but thank goodness, Jimmy was able to change his lodging arrangements. He lost a bedroom in the process so it was a sacrifice. Thank you Jimmy! The dates are August 8 - 15th. I apologize for the confusion, but now it's time to move on to the anticipation! I said to Steve this morning how I'm really looking forward to staying at the Rusty Moose. I wish each of you could see it. Pictures just don't do it justice. It's absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. That's what I'm looking forward to the most; peace and quiet. Oh wait! I have grandkids coming! So much for the peace and quiet :)

Military News

!Lara just called. She has been promoted to sergeant (E5)! It will be made retro to Feb 12th. Bryan and Shelley are here for a visit and got to be in on the good news! We haven't gotten word yet on when she and Al will be sent over but it will be soon. They are now in the desert in CA. Like I've said before, we maybe a crazy family, but we are patriotic - especially us girls!!! :)

Hannah's Homecoming

Okay, so I really suck at this picture thing, but I tried!

It was such a great experience to go to Hannah's home coming ceremony. She looks great! Strong and healthy. Mom looks like she drove all night, sat out in the humid Texas wind for 2 hours and bawled like a baby! I saw grown dad's completely break down when they saw their daughters. Fathers that had never met their babies. Hugging and crying and laughing and kissing and so much pride, relief and joy it's hard to explain. I'm just so glad my girl is home. Thank you to everyone that supported her with prayers, emails and care packages.

Amsterdam

Make a Smilebox photobook

Hannah is in Kuwait!

I received a call from Hannah this morning and she was in Kuwait. This is a very good thing! She has officially left Iraq. She was due to leave today for Germany and then back to the states. Steve and I are heading out tomorrow morning for Texas so that we can attend her coming home ceremony on Saturday. I just can't wait to see her all in one piece! I'll get back to the blog and civilization either late Sunday or Monday and let you know how she is (as witnessed by my own eyes!)

Reunion Dates

There's been some confusion on the date for the reunion. This is what you get when you "elect" me to organize this thing. Initially I said let's shoot for the 1st week of August. Later, when I booked the place I ended up with the second week of August. I've talked to some of you, emailed some maybe, but never put it on the blog. Everyone hold tight and by the first of next week I'll have everyone contacted to make sure we can move things. Bottom line is we have two places booked for different weeks. It may come down to which place is more flexible about shifting weeks. If anyone absolutely CANNOT do either the 1st OR 2nd week of August, please let me know ASAP, because once we reschedule one of these places, it will be set in stone. Oh how I long for the stress free mountain air of Branson.

It's Almost Reunion Time...sort of

For those thinking ahead to travel plans, I thought it might be good to review a couple of things: The Branson Airport will be open and is accepting reservations. This by far will be the easiest and least expensive way to fly in. The reunion dates are August 8th - August 15th. We cannot enter the house until 4:00 on Saturday. Check out is 10:00 the following Saturday morning. Nightfall will hit shortly after 8:00 PM. We STRONGLY suggest you get to the house before dark. DD Highway is an undivided two lane road with no guardrails. In a word, it is treacherous. Steve might say I'm exagerating, but in all the years we've gone down to Tablerock Lake and driven that road, I have never driven it, day or night. I'm not saying I couldn't, I'm just saying as long as someone else is available, I'll just go along for the ride. After dark for the first drive would definitely cause some white knuckles. I'm getting very excited and I'm more than ready to get away to a slower place. Can't wait to see everyone there!

Birthdays

OOOOPS I missed again we had some birthdays over the last couple weeks. Let me wish them all a Happy belated Birthday:
Abigail Loux Feb 18th.
Kristen Bryant Feb. 24th.
Julie Laverty Feb. 25th.
Philip Fraser Feb 27th.
and coming up Bryan Hartman March 6th.

Happy Birthday All and may God bless you with many more!

Chips and Dip Anyone?

The big potato chip (crisps) company here is Walker's. They are currently running something similar to M&M's vote for your favorite color campaign. In this case, it's vote for your favorite flavor. There are 6 to choose from, so Joe and I went out this morning and picked them up. Here are the choices: Builder's Breakfast, Chilli & Chocolate, Fish & Chips, Onion Bhaji, Crispy Duck & Hoisen, and Cajun Squirrel.

We made it through all 6, but it wasn't easy. Pretty different from Barbeque and Sour Cream and Onion. Most, including the Cajun Squirrel, were, well... nasty. No other way to describe it. But, proving nasty is in the taste of the taster, Joe liked Fish & Chips - I gagged. I liked Onion Bhaji, Joe almost spit it out. Julie wouldn't even try them, but she is thinking about foisting them on unsuspecting friends. Rick wants to send them to you all. So if he does - Bon Appetit!