Standing In

The Scouts in our area meet each Memorial Day weekend at Marietta National Cemetery to place flags on the graves of fallen service members. How the cemetery itself came to be has a touching story.

Civil War soldiers were being buried where they fell on the battlefield. A local man, Henry Green Cole, decided to donate over 23 acres of land to be used as a burial place for both Union and Confederate soldiers. His hopes were that the two sides could find some neutral ground here. Neither side would hear of it. The land donated by Cole was designated for Union soldiers while land donated a few miles away was designated for Confederate soldiers.

This is Georgia State Representative John Yates. He is a World War II survivor and spoke at the ceremony this morning. He has spent much of his political career fighting for the rights of veterans and survivors of those who have died. It was an honor to hear him tell his story. World War II vets are a fast dying breed.

Aaron is placing a flag by a grave.

After placing a flag, the Scouts would step back, pause and salute the flag and the grave.

I love this picture of Aaron and his best friend, Coleman.

Hannah placing a flag.

Rachel placing a flag.

Hannah's salute.

Aaron and a couple Scout buddies.

Rachel and Hannah with some Scouting friends.

My three favorite Scouts after placing flags.

As we were leaving Rachel commented that it was really sad that there were a lot of unknown graves whose families never knew what happened to them. Their families can't come to the grave site to honor and respect them because they have no idea where they are.

I paused by this particular unknown grave and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the specific life that was given. Some where at some point in our country's history a mother or wife never saw her child or husband again. She had no idea what happened. As a mom and Navy wife, I stood in to pay tribute to this particular person for the mom or wife who never had a chance.

Good-ish Mostly Ish

I was downloading pictures today to update the blog and realized the kids had been playing with the camera because there were about 50 pictures of our puppy, Holly. I guess they should be recorded in our family blog.

This one really gives and idea of her size.

This one really gives an idea of what she is usually thinking. (I am small, but mighty and will eat you if I don't like you.)

When describing Holly, PK said, "I guess she is goodish. (Insert pause) Mostly ish." Cracked me up. PK is so serious but every once in a while he throws out something like that.

She is better than she use to be. We are working through her second session of training classes. She can sit, down, stay, shake hands, loose leash walk and is working on heeling. She will even come if she knows you have a treat or you shake the bag of treats for her to hear. Linda, our trainer, says acts such as shaking the bag of treats to make her come is a sign that we are well trained to accommodate Holly. When it is bedtime, she goes in her crate in Hannah's room. She gets a special treat and when Hannah asks, "Are you ready to go nite-nites?" Holly flies up the stairs. It is funny. I am glad she is finally walking on the leash. Taking her for a walk is much more fun than taking her for a drag.

Holly is becoming more confident and at least no longer tries to eat family members. We have really worked on socializing her. Chihuahuas are known for being little ankle biting yappy dogs, but I believe this is a behavior that can be modified. Linda is in complete agreement. When someone comes to the door we are getting her to sit and stay as we allow the person in the door. I was holding her when the electrician came in yesterday and she growled a little. I can't say as I blame her because he was not very friendly. I had a hard time not biting him.

I haven't practiced heeling with her as much as I should. I am just so glad she will walk on the leash. We (probably meaning "I" since I do the majority of her training, care taking, etc...go figure) are really going to focus on it now that the kids are out of school for the summer.

Jam Fest 2011

This is my fourth year to make strawberry jam. It is a lot of work, but so worth it. This year I picked six buckets. Because the peak of strawberry picking season coincides with the end of the school year, I decided to go by myself instead of trying to work out a time when the kids could go. I felt a bit bad because they do enjoy going, but it was very relaxing going alone.

Here is the finished product minus two jars PK took to co-workers before I got the picture. There are about 50 jars. Many of them will go to the kids' teachers and school staff as end of the year gifts. Some will go to friends who visit and some will be used as hostess gifts when we visit someone. The rest will be enjoyed by the Sweet Baby Rays. Aaron especially loves his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In our case, they are peanut butter and jam sandwiches.

Root-a-Toot-Toot

Rachel had a band concert to close out the school year. She started playing the trumpet this year and is doing very well. I was really surprised how much the entire 6th grade band has progressed this year.

Rachel is second from the left in the white headband.

Tacos In a Bag

I was able to go camping with the girls' scout troop. It was tons of fun!!

The particular campground we went to had platform tents. Those were a first for me. I would much rather set up a traditional tent. The platform tents don't secure at the bottom. Anything can crawl in. I told more than one Girl Scout to suck it up.

We got to participate in archery. The adults got to have a try, too. I took an archery class in high school, but don't remember a whole lot about it. Rachel made two bullseyes! I was so glad I was along to see it. It would have been fun and exciting to hear her tell me about it, but it was even better witnessing it. My archery skills weren't as good as Rachel's, but it was fun.

We hiked down to a creek the girls were able to wade in. The younger girls learned how to build a fire. All the girls were able to make smores each night.

For dinner one night, we had Tacos in a Bag. That was another first for me. Each person got an individual bag of Doritoes and added the taco toppings to the bag. The idea was to eat it out of the bag. Of course, everything tastes better after a day of hiking.

Tacos in a Bag were such a big hit, Hannah (with a bit of adult supervision) made it for the family when we got home. We just bought a big bag of Doritoes and portioned them into baggies.

No Longer A Daisy

Hannah bridged from Daisies to Brownies finishing her second year of Girl Scouts.

Rachel's Cadette troup bridged the Juniors to Cadettes. Rachel finished up her seventh year of Girl Scouts.

Then the Cadettes put on a skit to show the others what they had learned through their aMaze journey. aMaze is a book put out by Girl Scouts that teaches the girls to be kind to others and spread peace in their communities. Rachel played a nerd named Mildred.

The girls asked Aaron to play the part of the jock. I was surprised that he agreed.

The Moments We Will Never Forget

Almost 10 years ago, I sat on the couch with my infant for his morning bottle. I turned on the t.v. to see the unbelievable news that our nation was under attack.

Last night I wasn't feeling well. I turned off the tv and computer and went to bed early. I got up this morning and got the kids up to get ready for school. PK was packed and ready to head to Knoxville to drill for a couple days. He said good-bye to everyone and loaded his car. I spent a few minutes loading the dishwasher while Aaron and Hannah finished up their breakfast. I followed them upstairs so I could get dressed to take them to school. My computer was sitting on the floor next to my bed and I thought I would do a quick Facebook and email check.

When I open my internet connection, a newsfeed automatically pops up. I must have read the headline three or four times. I couldn't believe what I was reading. I had to turn the tv on to confirm. Usama Bin Laden is dead.

I was shocked. The mastermind behind our nation's tragedy of September 11, 2001 had been killed by Navy Seals. I picked up the phone and called PK.

I must have posted and deleted my Facebook status a dozen times. How was I supposed to sum up my feelings in a small status update? Plus, many on Facebook probably wouldn't agree with my reaction. I do not like confrontation. My blog is a slightly safer place.

Here is what I think...

I support our troops!! Since our country has been involved in the War on Terror, 5983service members have made the ultimate sacrifice. They follow orders and serve to insure our freedom and safety. PK and I personally know many who have served in Afghanistan. I am very thankful that our Navy Seals made it in and out of this mission without losing any of their team.

That said, I can't celebrate the loss of a life regardless of who it is. Proverbs 24:17... Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice... I don't think this means we are supposed to sit back and take whatever our enemies dish out, but I just can't justify cheering at the death of an individual.

The news of Bin Laden's death does not make my memories of what happened on Septemeber 11, 2001 any sweeter.

As I watched the news and saw the crowds of US citizens who poured into the streets to celebrate, I noticed that many of the faces who were cheering were very young. Were they caught up in the moment? Do they really know what they are celebrating? Are we really happy that a man died a violent death? I think we should rejoice in the fact that Bin Laden can no longer directly harm us, but we shouldn't be quick to forget he has a second in command. I think we should rejoice in the fact that our troops showed those who may dare attack our people that they should not mess with the United States of America.

I just heard a news commentator suggest that Bin Laden's death is the end to terrorism. Are we that naive? Do we as a nation really think that the members of al-Qadea will just change their minds and support peace? More now than ever our service members and our country need the prayers of God's people. Lord have mercy on us all!