The Francis 5

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2010-02-13T13:32:00.004-05:00

Follow me over here on my new blog...

It's new... it's fresh... and it's mine!

Check out my new blog

2010-01-18T08:26:00.003-05:00

Check out my new blog at http://onceuponamarinecorpswife.blogspot.com/
Please follow me over here.
I know I've got some tweeking to do, and I am working on it. I am also learning a lot in the process. I'd love to hear everyone's comments so send them on!

Christmas for our military...

2009-12-14T07:54:00.006-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
o tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.

Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

I was deeply moved at church yesterday. I visited a church that every week prayers over the list of names of members and friends who are deployed. I was stunned to hear the name of my own Marine spoken in that prayer. I cannot express how grateful I am to know that people are sincerely praying for my Marine and all our military scattered around the globe. As Mark spends his third Christmas apart from us, I know he is in good hands... God's hands. He is safe, protected and guarded by his fellow Marines. He is not alone, but he is with his band of brothers, the largest fraternity in the world, is men... his Marines and I am forever grateful for their dedication to "our God, our Country and our Corps."

Merry Christmas Mark... I love you.

MSgt. Mark Francis

2009-12-10T22:12:00.003-05:00

This is the 'Gunny... '

He's now a 'Master'! I am soooo Proud of Him!

I truly am honored to be his wife, it's a privilege everyday to wake up being married to a Marine, to be his bride... his best friend. I love him, I love our life, I love our God, I love our Country and I love our Corps. I couldn't be more proud of him, Congratulations!

Things I never thought I'd say...

2009-12-09T20:35:00.004-05:00

When I dreamed of becoming a mom, I never imagined I would say things like...

"Stop farting in your sister's room! The next time you do that you'll clean her room!"
"No you cannot take the TV remote to the bathroom!"
"No, you don't have to do your homework unless you want to repeat 4th grade."
"Yes, I know the tooth fairy. Do you want to talk to her?"
"I can't wait till your father gets home!" (I only say that one to myself though!)
"Who are you?"
"Which one are you?"

Do you ever find yourself saying things you never thought you'd say? If so please share... I need a laugh too!

daily life...

2009-11-20T12:05:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that next week is Thanksgiving. A huge milestone for us in the deployment, that means we've put a few months behind us. We've only killed 5 appliances in the house, and sold about half the wood, but hey... it's still early! No more appliances are allowed to die, it's just not allowed. And the wood we want to keep still needs split and stacked in the back... the right way! Anyone wanna help? I'll rent a wood splitter! And I promise his name will not be "Johnny Appleseed" or Paul Bunyan! It shall be known as John Deere! Any takers... awhhh come on! I promise hot cocoa and smores over an open pit fire!

Pink Cow Girl Boots

2009-11-17T22:39:00.002-05:00

My Life with Katie... no explaination needed!

Happy Birthday USMC!

2009-11-10T18:30:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Marines!

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our freedom and security since 1775.

Soccer, Mark's new job and life...

2009-11-03T21:23:00.003-05:00

Well, the sad news is that the kids did not make it past the second round in the single elmination tournaments this past weekend. So in our house, soccer is over for the season. I am sad that they didn't go further in the tournaments, but not running to soccer practices 3 nights a week is a much needed break.

Mark, everyone wants to know about Mark. He is doing well, he didn't sleep for 50 hours straight this week. He began a new job on dayshift... YIPPEE! But we all know Mark and he couldn't leave his night crew without guidance and training so abruptly, so he's been training for his new day job (getting turnover briefings/training during the day) and teaching his replacement at night. Thus the 50 hours straight without sleep. He's been eating so that is a wonderful thing, and being on dayshift now he'll get much better meals and will see more friends. He is still going to be averaging 18 hour work days, but at least he's on days and can sleep at night. We were able to Skype with him for about 15 minutes this afternoon. This is how good this man looks for only having 4 hours of sleep in the past 3 days. We all get so excited to see each other's beautiful faces... you can see the love for the kids in his eyes and his smile. I love it! I love him.

I am so excited for the Christmas season! The kids and I are making our lists for Santa and believe it or not I am almost done with all of my shopping. We are ready to get the decorations out and put up the tree. This time of the year is so magical and I hate not having Mark home to share it with us. Never fear Mark the kids are planning your Christmas package... they've got some sneaky surprises for you!

Can't pass this one up!

2009-10-29T15:43:00.002-04:00

6 Weeks Down...

2009-10-28T09:18:00.004-04:00

6 Weeks Down! Mark is doing well. He is averaging 18 hours a day of work. That translates to about 4-5 hours of sleep a day. I mean day b/c he works the night shift. He’s got a lot and I mean A LOT of responsibilities and the work load is rather stressful. He’s mentioned several times that this has been his most stressful of all of his deployments to date. He is on a huge base over there but he still doesn’t get to see many or any of his friends over there (that are in other units) because of his work load and the hours he works. Most people work days over there and since he’s on nights it’s almost impossible to catch up w/ them. He still lives in the “tin can” and works in a “tin can”. He is doing well otherwise, he’s only lost 10 pounds so far. The first time he was over there at 6 weeks he had lost over 18 pounds and last year about 12 pounds. Mark is a strong guy, he knows he has a purpose there and is working hard to finish the job so “everyone” can come home. He misses home, all the soccer games, cub scouts, computer games, butterfly kisses and cuddling w/ Katie in the lazy-boy during football. He’s bummed that he can’t watch Ohio State or the Bengals play but he always wants me to send him the scores! He longs for warm fires in the fireplace, homemade pizza and ice cold Jones Cream Soda.

Here are a few exerts from the emails he’s sent to me in the past few days…

It is pouring rain outside right now, first real rain since I got here. The
thunder and lightning is intense. The wind cutting across the desert has
nothing to slow it down or take its edge away. With every passing minute, the mud is getting deeper and more soupy. We are going to have some serious cleaning to do.

We have regressed to picking people we look like out here and posting their visages by our desks. I have been deemed Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers movie series. I thought it was funny. We have Drew Carrey (Gamble), Cleveland (off the Family Guy, Williams), Scott Evil from the Austin Powers movies (Curbow)... we are at least taking our minds off of the job for a little while in making fun of ourselves.

He feels horrible that he is not emailing and calling more often and sending info out to you all personally. Please know that he deeply appreciates your prayers, your letters, emails and packages that are being sent over there. He says he certainly doesn’t feel forgotten like many of the other guy and understands the time and sacrifices made by you all to keep in contact and support him. I am personally sincerely grateful for all of you. Thank you for keeping us and Mark in your prayers.

We’ve already had the appliance demon visit us, so that is already done and over (he killed the sump pump for the pool cover, my curling iron and the heating pad! Nothing too big! Yeah!) Things are running rather smoothly around here. Soccer season is almost over, tournaments this weekend. Looking forward to sleeping in on a Saturday!

On a personal note from me, this has been a different deployment so far for us at home too. The kids are getting older and much more knowledgeable of what is going on the world and in their little world. We are beginning the “coming of age” stage of life and I understand and get how to talk to and deal w/ girls, but wow, this boy stuff is strange. So keep all of us in your prayers, pray for Godly friends, good mentors, and courage to do what’s right when no one else is doing it.

I read quite a few blogs...

2009-10-02T11:41:00.003-04:00

I read/follow about 15-20 blogs a week. Some I ready daily others about once a week. But something crazy is going on in the blog world.

I have to put this out there. I know for many a blog is their escape, their way of venting. But I wonder if the bloggers who write like this realize or remember that their family and often their spouses read their blog. Or even better their spouses co-workers / friends read their blog. I feel like the new "bandwagon" for blogging is Spouse Bashing. I understand people have marital issues, but do you really think your marriage or your problems are gonna get any better by posting your issues all over the internet!

When did people stop thinking?

D-Day Pictures

2009-09-26T20:20:00.003-04:00

The night Daddy left. These pix were taken at around 2:45AM, yes you read that right AM! He left in the middle of the night again. For those of you who are thinkin' crazy thoughts, those are IBC Cream Sodas... not beer. He got several strange looks that night from junior Marines, but once they realized it was cream soda they all laughed. He can't get cream soda in Iraq so he had to drink several bottles before he left. I love you Mark... God Speed and come home safe.

D-Day...and a Give Away!

2009-09-15T08:15:00.003-04:00

Today marks the day that Dad left again. So in honor of that a fellow military spouse blogger of mine (I know her in the blogger world only) is having a give away.

Just click on this Trying Our Best, and you can register for this beautiful Give Away on My D-Day! FYI: contest is open until Friday, September 18Th at noon EST!

Here is a picture of what you can win... I love it, and her mother made it! Won't it look beautiful in my home! So if you win, please give it to me.... or not.

The death of an old friend...

2009-08-01T18:32:00.006-04:00

I am so sad to report the death of a very close and protective friend. I've had this friend for something like 27 years. He's been through the winds and the rain with me, never failing me... it's my rain suit. Many of you will remember me in my bright blue rain coat and pants set. One time I recall someone nicknaming me the new blue Gumby, "always flexible even in the rain." I got this lovely name probably from life-guarding in the pouring rain wearing my blue suit (with my Speedo underneath!)

We've had a lot of rain in North Carolina this summer (which is very unusual) and one Sunday, I pulled out my trusty rain suit so Mark could stay dry ushering at church. And NO we do not have an outdoor church but the men of the church do "fetch" cars and escort members to their vehicles on rainy days. We've had soooooo many rainy Sundays that Mark was tired of being soaked to the bone, and isn't it obvious that he would NOT be allowed to wear his all weather gear issued by the Corps. Yeah, not so much. So he pulled out my trusty rain suit... sadly it wasn't trusty anymore. He got just as wet wearing my jacket as if he hadn't worn anything at all. He threw it away... do you believe it? Don't worry he got the stink eye, the ugly eye and possibly even "the look!"

So many memories in that suit, I remember kissing a boy (I won't mention any names!) in the rain at camp wearing my Gumby suit. There was the time I built a fire in the pouring rain wearing my suit, gosh darn it if I didn't get that log cabin fire going too. And that time I fell in a hugely gigantically enormous mud puddle in my blue suit, my clothes stayed dry but I still wasn't allowed in the dining hall. And let us not forget the numerous times walking across campus in my blue suit headed to yet another class in the rain! I miss my blue suit. I think I'll buy another one... look what I found! Think they make it in my size? It's PINK! I love it, if I ever get to be a camp counselor again I am buying one... promise!

Good Bye Rain Suit... I'll miss you..... hello stupid umbrella that flies away in the wind!

Summer Time Laundry

2009-07-13T21:32:00.000-04:00

one of the hardest decisions ever

2009-07-09T11:34:00.002-04:00

Today I am faced with one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I am thankful that Mark is in the states, just not available by phone, to help me make the decision. Please pray for us as a family today for grace and mercy, it's a hard one to make.

2009-07-04T18:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday America! As we celebrate with you today let us remember the sacrifices of so many before us that have made this day possible... We are the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave because in God We Trust.

Picture of June 2009

2009-07-01T20:50:00.012-04:00

I love summer and I love summer pictures even more, seems like personalities really shine through in the summer months. Here are a few of my fav's from June 2009.

The first one is of Katie (she's on the left) and her friend from church on the world's longest slip and slide. The next picture is Mark driving the 4-wheeler pulling the kids down that slip and slide.

Katie was attacked by the Nerf gun... nothing more can be explained in this photo.

Caleb and Seth are riding down one of the water-slides at church during XKidz, wild water day.

This last photo is of my two boys just about too big now to share a chair at the Cub Scout Crossover Campfire. I guess next year I have to buy another chair so they don't have to share.

My Mom!

2009-06-24T10:36:00.004-04:00

My Mom... she blazes her own trail, goes farther and lives 'richer' than most people ever hope or dream of. Mom is a symbol of strength, intergrity, pure grit, love, passion and sincerity. She has taught me and shown me my entire life to test the limits of my inner spirit and push the button of happiness. I will one day ride with my mom, on my own bike, side by side... it's always been a dream of hers and mine to ride together on a trip... just us girls! And yes Katie will come with us; and I'll post the pictures to prove it.

Queen... if only!

2009-06-16T07:20:00.004-04:00

Enough Said!

Double click on the cartoon to read it completely!

Happy Birthday Mark!

2009-06-10T20:58:00.004-04:00

I don't think I could have said it any better Mark!

I sure do love you... Happy Birthday!

My Grandma, Grandma Alberta

2009-06-04T08:47:00.005-04:00

I recently returned from my home town, Ashtabula Ohio, on a trip no one wants to take, one for a funeral. My maternal grandmother passed away, Alberta Taft. She was quite the woman. I always thought I knew her well, but I learned a whole lot more about this amazing woman after spending time listening to multiple generations and friends tell stories of her life. Grandma was a very godly lady who lived out the walk and was a sincere witness to the lifestyle of Proverbs 31 Woman, but she was never preachy. She lived her life as an example, and isn’t that how we all should be living. Grandma was also very outspoken and blazed her own trail. But here are a few things about my grandma that I learned this weekend (maybe one that I’ve always known) that will explain a lot about who I am and a tiny bit of my great heritage!

I always thought I was the special one as far as the grandkids were concerned. Grandma had this old orange cookie jar (literally it was a huge cookie jar shaped as an orange) and whenever I was at their house the first thing I would do was check out the cookie jar. She always had cookies, and I could always sneak one without retribution. But I never took from Grandpa’s jar (it was filled with gingersnaps) he’d always catch me and he didn’t like to share his cookies! I thought I was the only one who got away with “sneakin’ cookies” but come to find out, everyone snuck cookies from the cookie jar, but never Grandpa’s!
On family camping trips when my grandma had young children, she would insist on eating ice-cream for lunch at the local ice-cream shops when they left their campsites on their way to their next destination. For some reason though, when I was young going on these huge family camping trips I don’t remember doing this… but today with my young children we do this a lot, on a whim though not just camping, we’ll just eat ice-cream and or popcorn for dinner. In fact, we had ice-cream for lunch one day in Disney World.
She could sew and quilt beautifully. I remember her sewing all of my baton twirling uniforms, my aunt’s wedding dress, my prom dresses, even my tiny Barbie doll dresses and outfits. She became very well known as a master quilter, winning numerous prizes and awards for her skill and beauty in her work. I can’t even sew a button on, I regret not taking the time to learn from her and now it’s too late.
Grandma went to school to be a nursing assistant (or maybe it was to be a nurse, I can’t remember now). And she never babied us when we got hurt, neither did my mom. Maybe that is where I get that from too! “Ahh, rub some dirt on it, you’ll be fine!”
One last thing... Grandma had the best sheets in the world. I loved sleeping at her house. The bed sheets were always crisp and smelled wonderful. I know she didn’t have a clothes dryer and lined dried everything. She claims that’s what made her sheets “so good!”, but mine never smell or feel like hers. I don’t know what she did or how she did it. I’ve tried to replicate the process over the years but could never do it just like her. My line-dried sheets certainly don’t smell like hers, maybe it’s that Ohio air; it’s much richer up there!

2009-05-25T06:56:00.007-04:00

Today holds different meaning to many people. It's also one day that America joins together simply to remember and honor those that have gone before us and paid the ulitmate sacrifice for our freedoms we hold true today. Please take a moment today from all of your celebrating, picnics, and family time to just pray and be thankful. Daily I am in awe of the sacrifices that men and women in uniform and their families make for us as a Nation. They do it for me and you, and they ask for nothing in return. Today, simply say "Thank you". Those words will not heal all wounds but they will begin to mend the spirit and the soul.

Disney!

2009-05-19T19:52:00.005-04:00

It's hard to believe that I haven't posted anything in over a month. I am so sorry, but honestly I've rather enjoyed the time with family and friends. We are getting back into the groove only to discover that we have less than 3 weeks of school left. That blows me away just thinking about it. Not that I don't want summer to come, I love summer time and spending hot days and cool nights with my fam, but the school year has flown right by. I must have slept or worked way toooooo much! I will leave you with a few pix of our Disney trip and I promise to share finished layouts and projects once I get them started... NEXT WEEK RIGHT!

The case of the missing egg...

2009-04-12T15:01:00.004-04:00

The Easter Bunny was a huge hit this year! Each one of our kiddos had 5 items to hunt for that the E.B. left for them. Mind you this is a new house so we had lots of new places to look for things. Caleb searched for an extra half hour after everyoone else was done for his one last Egg! It was right next to him the entire time! Watching him hunt and hunt for that 'missing' egg was absolutely priceless! These are simply random photos of him hunting for that EGG... do you see it, on the lampshade above his head!

I love you Caleb, you truly keep it real around here and remind us to laugh and embrace life right in the midst of EGGStrodinary situations!

I live with a bunch of Egg Heads!

2009-04-12T14:17:00.010-04:00

You may not get the title of this posting until you see the pictures... Just read the below and you'll soon see why Katie and I live with a bunch of Egg Heads!

The Egg Heads!

The Egg Head Family...

The Queen and the Princess!

Seth's Head

Caleb's Head

I love my Boys... especially the Big One!

Caleb shooting Katie... it's the case of the Egg Head and the Princess!

Snakes... I don't like snakes!

2009-04-07T18:51:00.008-04:00

I know snakes are everywhere, but they are NOT allowed on my porch or roaming though my flower beds. Okay yes, that is a weed next to the snake, but now I may never pull weeds again because snakes might be there!

Mark found this snake last night on our porch right next to our front door. He went outside shortly after 9pm to get his gear ready for work. He keeps his PT boots outside b/c they are full of mud and sand (nasty smelly things). He picked up his boots, he jumped a tiny bit (he is a Marine and Marines aren't scared of snakes, just Camel Spiders... I've posted a picture below for you see those too!) So, being the NICE man that he is, he moves the spider into my flower beds w/ my broom before telling me about it.

We estimate that this snake was approx 3 feet long, we looked it up on the internet and it's just a garter snake, but did you know they can have upto 89 babies at one time. I could have 90 snakes in my yard right now!

We have to move, I just can't sleep at night thinking about 90 snakes in my yard and if each one of them reproduce... that's like over 8000 snakes!

Oh Crap, I think I am gonna faint!

What Marines should be scared of... and they have every right to be! That is one nasty spider!

EGGSPLOSION!

2009-03-31T08:35:00.006-04:00

If you are like most families in America today Saturdays are crazy in your home. Saturday, the 28th we had cheerleading practice in the morning across town, then rushed home to pick up the boys so we can race to the outskirts of town for District Finals for the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby races. When Katie and I left for cheerleading, I left a small to do list for Mark and the boys. They did great, got everything accomplished and then some. We were gone for about 3 hours at the races and left for home excited and exhausted! Caleb came in 5th out of 56 cars and Seth had placed 15th! So it was a TON OF FUN!

We pulled in the driveway, gathered our gear and headed for the front door. I commented that it was pretty “stinky” in our yard, but we had just put fertilizer down a few days ago and well, that stuff stinks, so we brushed it off. The smell got more intense as we stepped onto the porch. I opened the front door, and the NASTIEST THICKEST BLACK SMOKE rolled out to greet us. I can’t even describe the smell. The kids are screaming “Call 911, Call 911”, Mark shoves me outta the way and runs full tilt to the kitchen, shouting “OH CRAP!” Being the good wife, I was following quickly behind him, gagging from the smell we discovered that hard boiled eggs can EXPLODE if left on the stove on high for several hours. There was no actual fire, but we had 18 (YES 18) EGGSPLOSIONS in our home. It was Nasty Mc-Nasty!

So here I a week later finally blogging about this adventure, I am sure many of you are wondering why it took soooo long to blog about it. #1: I am still cleaning the smell out of the house, it’s in the closets, carpets, clothes, and it’s everywhere! We have gone through several bottles of Febreze and multiple boxes of baking soda! #2: I have finally stopped laughing, it really was funny. Smelly, disgusting and gross, but very very funny! And #3… tomorrow is Saturday, I am sure something else will happen this weekend that I just have to blog about, so I better get this one posted!
Take a look at these pix below… you’re gonna love it!

On a much more serious note, our smoke alarms NEVER went off w/ the smoke. After an hour and a half of airing out the house with every window/door open Mark inspected the smoke alarms. The 9-volt batteries were not connected to the prongy things to engage the alarm, once he connected them all of the smoke alarms went off. Keep in mind this was 90 minutes AFTER we had started to air the house out! I know several of you are concerned for our old dog… she’s 15+ years old (that’s 105+ in dog years), she is fine. We found her by the back door with her nose pressed up against the door crack breathing in fresh air! She still loves us, but she’s been sleeping in our room since then!

Some of the eggs in the sink that we scrapped off the counter and floors.

The pan the eggs were in... it's totalled. I have to buy a new one!

A piece of egg 15 feet away from the pan, on our kitchen table, several pieces also landed on our benches!

What's left of the eggs... Anyone for breakfast?

The underside of the microwave above the stove... That was like "egg cement" on that!

My stove... I scrubbed for a long time to get it clean!

Lesson for the weekend: God is loving and full of Grace. He saved our house and saved our dog. Our home could have easily burnt down or we could have created a horrible back draft (that might have killed us all) when we opened the front door. He is merciful and cares about us in so many ways. Mark and I handled this dangerous and serious situation with love, not one fight, but a lot of laughs. The main thing is we are all okay, even if our home burnt down, we, the five of us, are okay and in the end that is all that really matters and I think God smiled when he saw our true reaction to it, grateful hearts and unwavering commitment to each other. Thank you Lord for protecting us from ourselves yet again!

Seth got the Checkered Flag!

2009-03-18T14:05:00.008-04:00

Pinewood Derby season is upon us and Seth won 1st Place in our Pack for the Webelos Den. He advances to districts along w/ Caleb. Caleb is going on the "best paint job" award. Go Figure. Both boys worked hard on their cars, not going for fancy but going for FAST! And they did it... Can you tell that Mark and I are very PROUD of them!

Here is a picture of the cars they raced against on Saturday. Seth beat them all!

Seth's Car... the Arrow of Light (the highest rank/award in Cub Scouting)

Caleb's Car... Who Cut the Cheese! Very simple paint job, all of the black flecks is the residue of the stuff that makes the car go fast...

Official NC License Plates!

Seth crossing his fingers at the big race...

The faces of Champions!

The Seed

2009-03-10T21:33:00.004-04:00

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together. He said, 'It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. 'The young executives were Shocked,but the boss continued. 'I am going to give each one of you a SEED today- one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.

'One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure. Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him! When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. 'My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown,' said the CEO. 'Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!' All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, 'The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!' When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story. The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, 'Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!' Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.'How could he be the new CEO?' the others said. Then the CEO said, 'One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!'*

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust*
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends*
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness*
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment*
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective*
If you plant hard work, you will reap success*
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation*
If you plant faith in God , you will reap a harvest
So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.
(Author Unknown, but so good I had to share it. Thanks Aunt Peggy for passing this on to me.)

What are you planting today? I had a very interesting day at work, it will be interesting to see the harvest that comes from it.

How things can change just by talking...

2009-03-10T08:32:00.002-04:00

I find it interesting that our perspective or one's interpretation of a situation can change so quickly just by talking about it. Why do we as women avoid confrontation, avoid conversations that aren't going to be easy and fun? I had a great talk w/ my BFF yesterday, we hadn't talked in a while and I felt very disjointed, stressed and wondering where I was headed. You have to understand that my BFF is also my business partner. We have a very unique friendship b/c our relationship started out as a business relationship, and we've grown to BFF's. So it can make for a challenging friendship. She brought up a very interesting point yesterday... why can men say it like it is to each other, speak frankly and not be afraid to hurt each others feelings (yes, men do have feelings!), get it all out in the open, and then have lunch together and act like nothing ever happened? We women are afraid to do it... why? What's holding us back, for me it's I hate confrontation. There is this underlying fear associated with it in my subconscious. So how to I kill that fear, or concur it without jeopardizing my friendships or relationships that are so dear and important in my life. I am very glad to say that b/c of the conversation I had yesterday, I feel more confident in our friendship, secure in our business relationship and am moving forward. Hey BFF, thanks for pushing me to talk and forcing these issues on the table.

2009-03-07T16:57:00.006-05:00

This is what we did after yard work today! Men and their toys... each other! Here is Seth cutting Caleb's hair, thankfully Dad had his watchful eye on them so no one lost an ear. Poor Caleb's in the background. Look what Seth did to him... payback Seth, just wait! Look Dad, I'm giving Seth a MOHAWK! Ain't he cute... He didn't keep it though, he kept a tuft of hair on the back of his head. I couldn't take pictures... it's tooo painful! I am praying it's shaved off by morning though.

2009-03-05T21:13:00.002-05:00

I made this small layout in honor of my mom's friend, Mary Abraham. She was killed in Continental Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009. She was an avid motorcyclist and a member of Motor Maids. She will be greatly missed, but will forever ride on the streets of gold...

Angels in the Outfield

2009-03-03T18:01:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful snow angel made by my Junior. I love this, it reminds me of the fun snow should be and the washing that it brings the earth.

Doodle Bug... she's well

2009-02-24T16:40:00.001-05:00

Every time I see this pix, I smile, seriously I laugh. This is soooo Katie!
I just had to share, just another zany moment in the Francis house.

Mark's Home

2009-02-09T15:50:00.002-05:00

I know I have fallen off of the earth, but in reality I've been enjoying my family. Mark surprised the kids (well everyone really) and came home from Iraq 2 months early. He arrived home Thursday, February 5th. It was an amazing feeling to drive to the base to pick him up. We've spent the weekend playing the Wii, hanging out, eating dinner with friends and family and just being together. It's been.... honestly words can't describe it. I will try to get back on the computer later and post some photos that we've taken.

My computer did crash the day before Mark got home and I am still retrieving data off of my old hard-drive and so far have lost a lot of email addresses and snail mail address (to include phone numbers)! So if you are reading this, please email me all your information so I can reenter it into my outlook.

Nuf Said

2009-01-31T12:44:00.002-05:00

Ice Cream

2009-01-30T16:24:00.002-05:00

This comic is so true, but if I tried that with Mark at the commissary I am certain he would say... "I behaved, so I am buying it and you can't have any!" Gotta love a man who loves his ice cream!

Falling behind...

2009-01-30T08:24:00.002-05:00

Seriously I am falling behind, if it weren't for friends I think I would have fallen in a hole by now desperately trying to dig myself out. The OSU bathroom is 99.9% done, just a few finishing touches left. I will post pictures I promise, my goal is by Sunday night. I can't wait to share with everyone all the excitement going on around here, but it'll have to wait until I unveil my master plan to everyone (give me at least another week, so much left to do!!)
Love and hugs to all... especially you Mark!

Mark's New Email

2009-01-26T07:12:00.003-05:00

mark.francis@cf.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Here is Mark's new email. I am sure he'd love to hear from all of you!

We're Bored!

2009-01-22T19:52:00.003-05:00

I swear the writer of Baby Blues get his script from my house!

What else can I say... only 80 some days till Dad gets home!!!!

Star Wars Lightsaber Duel!

2009-01-15T16:42:00.008-05:00

I just had to post this, Seth challenged me last night to Star Wars the Clone Wars Light-saber duels on the Wii. I've never played it, the boys got it for Christmas and have probably played it everyday since. I rose to the challenge and kicked tail. Seriously, I won by a landslide. I was Obi Wan Kenobi, and Seth was Ventress. He won't play with me anymore.... I am the Master Jedi!

P.S. 90 Days til Dad gets home, 90 Days til Dad!

Starting the Count Down...

2009-01-14T17:09:00.003-05:00

Well it's official, we have started the count-down for Mark's return home. Last deployment we did a paper chain, and well I really didn't want a paper chain adorning my home this time. The kids are older and I wanted something a little more... not so kindergarteny! A friend of mine, and I can't remember who - sorry, suggested that I use a jar with rocks in it. Move one rock from one jar of 'days he's been gone' to the other jar called 'days left til he's home'. Sounded great, and looks nice too. So I counted how many days he's been gone, to this date it's 123 days. Doesn't seem like much when you look at it like that but believe me it's been a long time. We have 91 days left if he comes home as planned in mid-April. So we've past the half way point. Now we are in the midst of mid-deployment emotions and stresses, but we are on the downward slope of things. The kids are starting to get excited as we have officially started the "Dad's coming home jar!"
Remember the song... 100 Bottles of Beer? Well, we've changed it.

91 Days til Dad gets home
91 Days to go
Cross one off, jump for joy
90 Days til Dad gets home!

2009-01-08T22:35:00.000-05:00

Even though I don't remember much of Christmas, but I apparently took a few photos. These are some of the best. You can see the joy in their hearts, it was Christmas, Jesus' birthday, and He was generous to share his birthday and presents with us. I love this time of the year... the magic still exists in our home!

A note from Santa on our chalkboard!

Katie and her cowgirl boots, she got her first pair when she was 3, she still loves them!

Seth's #1 on his wish list... the "Ultimate Lightsaber"!
Watch out, it's Caleb the Storm Trooper!

New Disney Class

2009-01-08T21:33:00.013-05:00

This is a new class that I am teaching in January and possibly in February at Combat Creations. This is a mini-tin with 4 albums that fit inside. I created one album to use for just autographs, another for character photos and the remaining two for random photos and journaling. I just love it! I am so excited about this project because I actually will get to use this. We are planning a family vacation to Disney when Mark gets home from Iraq and I can't wait. I've been begging and badgering Mark for 8 years to take me and the kids to Disney World. We are finally going. I am not sure who is more excited me or the kids. We don't know dates yet because the Marine Corps hasn't told us when we are "allowed" to take leave, but watch out Mickey we're coming down!

Mark has moved...

2009-01-08T19:10:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I did hear from Mark today. He's good. I can tell you he has moved to another part of Iraq. Where he is at now he has to pay for Internet service, which is about $60 per month. He's going to try to "share" access with another Marine and split the cost, but he said they have to see if it'll work or not. One thing he did want me to pass on to you is that with his Internet service he is only allowed to download so many KB per day. So please do not send any pictures, files or any kind of attachments because it will eat up his Internet access time. Do not try to embed pictures into an email either, that will also cause trouble. He's glad to have moved, it has some advantages and different disadvantages, like paying for Internet access. I hate when he is moving around Iraq and out on patrols, it just causes me to worry more. Seems like where he is at now he'll be doing more of that, so please continue to keep him in your prayers. Thanks... I am sure as soon as he can he'll be back on here blogging; so check back often!

No News is Good News

2009-01-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

For those who are checking this blog for Mark's status. He's doing fine. One thing I've learned in 15 years of marriage in the Marine Corps is when the guys are deployed -No News is Good News! I live by that, and I've come to appreciate that quote more and more when I get accustomed to talking via email with him everyday and then suddenly it's like he drops off the face of the earth for days to weeks at a time. So just remember that... No News is Good News! But I will keep you updated when I hear something.

back to work, back to school, back to life...

2009-01-05T21:59:00.004-05:00

The kids went back to school today, thus starting cheerleading, tumbling, scouts, homework and such.... the list goes on and on. I was asked to make the yearbook page for my boys fourth grade class. No big deal right. Well it's a lot harder thank i thought. It's hard to be creative in a 8x11 space and still put 22 photos with names and dates on them. I did it, but it's certainly not my favorite layout of all time. I wish I could post it for you all to see, but because of privacy rights of the school and the students I cannot post it on the Internet. On a lighter note it's one more thing crossed of my list of things to do in January... not like the list isn't long, only about 25 things to do this week!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

I know many of you partied and stayed up to 'ring' in the New Year. I was in bed sound asleep by 10pm. And let me tell you it felt great. That was the first night in 11 nights that I went to bed pain free, and it was on the eve of birthing a New Year. Many great things are expected in 2009. I've heard many political predictions, religious predictions/messages, but my personal message of 2009 to me is ...

"Live life to the fullest without regret, without hesitation, full of vigor, vitality and a strong vision of accomplishing the personal goals I have set for 2009! They are my goals and no one else can accomplish them for me, it's my turn, it's my year, it's my destiny!"

What are your goals, your steps set out to accomplish your vision and destiny for 2009? I'd love to hear about them! Happy New Year... it's gonna be a great one!

I am BACK!

2009-01-01T10:51:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I have another posting to put out soon, but I just had to celebrate! I feel Great! 2009 has started and I am 100%! That was something I wanted and I got!
Look out 2009, here I come!

Posting whle medicated... NOT GOOD!

2008-12-26T14:56:00.002-05:00

I am just going to put out this brief posting. It's been brought to my attention that my spelling and grammar have been less than par during these last few days. I thought about rewriting them and correcting the language and such, but then I thought. Why... I am have been experiencing pain like I've never felt in my life (yes it's far worse than childbirth, and giving birth to twins naturally!) and the meds have had me pretty zoned out. My husband is deployed, I've had emergency surgery and yet people still expect daily updates with correct punctuations and grammar. Talk about pressure. So this is what it is... my blog, faults and all. My little record of life and creativity, enjoy and just read it from the heart~ May your Christmas Season and New Year bring to you many blessings and good fortune!

Christmas went off with me...

2008-12-25T19:43:00.002-05:00

Well this Christmas certainly wasn't what I had planned it to be, but I sure am glad I was as organized as I was for Christmas. You see, I've been living with a nasty jagged snaggled toothed 7+mm kidney stone for over a week. And he's been an ugly character. The meds the ER put me last Saturday leave me, well lets just say pretty worthless and spaced out. Finally on Christmas Eve I was able to get into a Doctors office in Morehead City (only 45 minutes from home!) and he took some more x-rays and sent to straight to OR. By 2pm yesterday afternoon we were on our way home, drugged up but stone free. As Caleb so sweetly put it "they laser blasted my mom's gut and killed that stone!". Today, on Christmas Day I am still in a lot of pain and discomfort but I'm glad I am home. Mom did a great job making sure Santa knew where to come and leave all the presents. She made Christmas breakfast and has been nursing me back to health. Christmas went off without any problems, sure we were missing Mark and yes I cried a lot today but Christmas came, Christ was born, and we are one day closer to the home-coming of our Marine, our Daddy, and my Mark! We missed you terribly today Mark, and we cannot wait until we can share all of our Christmas presents with you. Merry Christmas everyone, this is one year to really count your blessings. I know I sure have.

Twas the Morning before Christmas...

2008-12-23T21:48:00.002-05:00

Twas the morning before Christmas and all through the house, the kids
and their mom were preparing for a BLAST. It's only one stone, or so they do say. We'll try to blast it on this Merry Day. So come and drive some 90 minutes away and we'll try to bless you with a really short stay. No Promises they give, just simple advice, wear loose clothes and try to be nice. Our stockings are hung and the presents are wrapped so please pray for us as mom takes her nap. She'll be up and about soon enough but prayers are what she needs to come home with us. Merry Christmas, and please say a prayer for me. The kids need me home for Christmas, and I need to be there...

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T08:26:00.000-05:00

Just how big is a...

2008-12-21T19:13:00.002-05:00

I apologize for not posting more often over the last couple of days. Yesterday at 3:30am i was awoken by a sharp stabbing pain that persisted. I walked around my room and tried to get comfortable for almost an hour before I decided it was time to go to the ER. Thank goodness, my mom had just driven in from Ohio so I didn't have to take my children with me. I drove myself to the ER at 4:40am. The pain was far worse than delivering a baby and at that point I had no idea what was going wrong. I just knew something was drastically not right. After many tests and a CT scan it was determined that I have kidney stones. A 7mm kidney stone, doesn't sound like much until you measure one out. It's about the size of a basic pencil's eraser. And they want me to pass it through my you know what! Heck no...at the hospital the doctors gave me two doses of morphine which wiped the pain away and put me on a strange floating cloud that hovered me in a strange new realm on what felt like the outside/side stage of life. I left the hospital with lots of pain meds and such to assist me the passing and in the pain involved with my KS. I get to call the urologist on Monday to schedule a "blasting" of the stone. So in the mean time I get to walk around drunk/high and beyond sleepy. I can hardly keep my eyes open. I'll keep y'all posted on the passing/zapping of my wee little KS... so until next time.... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Christmas Cards

2008-12-19T20:33:00.002-05:00

My Christmas cards are out...
this is only half of the stack I sent out this year. It was well over 75 I do believe. Sad to say they weren't homemade. I had lofty goals of sending out handmade cards with our annual "Newsletter", but instead I am sending out store bought cards with a personal note/newsletter. There are some great pictures in them too, so be on the lookout. They'll be in your mailboxes soon!

Bring Him Home...

2008-12-12T09:07:00.004-05:00

Click this Link... that's all I can say!

scrapblog.com

2008-12-10T21:35:00.002-05:00

I discovered a new website... www.scrapblog.com and created this page honoring the man of my dreams. What I like is that you can create then share in so many ways, you can publish your designs, print them or save them to your computer. Completely FREE!

I am a Cheer Mom!

2008-12-10T17:22:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pictures from Saturday's Cheerleading Competition. Katie is the one 'up' in the air. Her stunt squad is consistantly the first group 'up' and so far they've never dropped her. And no that is NOT her real hair. It's a hair piece!

Go Elf Yourself

2008-12-10T06:53:00.002-05:00

You gotta see this...

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/BYQpwHIfv1oH6yml

check it out... it'll bring a smile to your face!

when it rains it pours... downpours!

2008-12-09T17:11:00.008-05:00

I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. It's been crazy, I mean crazy around here. Lets just jump in and hit the highlights. Friday night we had some kids sleep over (friends from church, they were so good, we had fun!). Saturday morning I woke up early b/c we had a very busy day. As I was in the shower I started to smell this horrible burning plastic smell. You know the one I am talking about it scares you to pieces. It's a horrid smell. I jumped out of the shower and began searching my house to see what could possibly be on fire (and no we didn't even have our tree up yet!) After a long panic attack, I realized it was in the bathroom. We turned the power off to that side of the house and called the electrician. After cheerleading practice and rehearsal we headed home. The electrician came by at about 4 o'clock and soon discovered that is was the illegal ceiling fan in our master bath. Yeah, we know who puts a ceiling fan in the bathroom. It was here when we bought the house and it was on our list of things to remove/change in the remodeling process. The electrician told us it was a fire waiting to happen. The light bulb was sizzling and causing that horrid smell. He said we were really lucky and that it could have caused the house to burn down. So that was Saturday. Sunday we went to church, then to a cheerleading competition that started 45 minutes late and lasted a really long time. When we all got home we were exhausted. So we didn't make it to the Battalion Christmas Party. Monday came faster than we ever imagined, the kids went to school, I went to work. We got home as usual and I was greeted at the door by the 'easement man'. He had to tell me that all of the big beautiful hardwood trees in our backyard must come down. There are within the easement area for the power lines and they have to cut them down. So one of the reasons we bought this house, all of the beautiful trees, shade and great backyard is now going to be cut down. I know I should look at this as a blessing, but it is so hard to imagine our yard without all of these beautiful trees. I love huge shade trees, & I love the way the yard smells after a fresh rain. That will all change because we are losing all these hardwoods. Oh did I remember to mention that they want to do all this work right before Christmas? I am not ready for all of this... and now our poor dog. She's 14 years old and has developed a horrible infection in her front right leg. She's been on 3 different antibiotics for the past 3+ weeks and it's not healing correctly. She's is now scheduled for surgery to remove the infected area this Thursday. I know she's older, but she has a lot of life left in her. She's got more squirrels to chase and lots more love to share. So see, it's been a little crazy and a little stressful around here lately. I am creating and I'll be posting my new classes and creations soon! But in the mean time, pray for us, pray for our dog and continue to pray for Mark and the safety of his team.

my own flowers...

2008-12-04T14:18:00.001-05:00

When I started this project I didn't know Mark was going to have fresh flowers delivered monthly. So this has really been a wonderful compliment to the flowers he sends me. When Mark left for Iraq I forced bulbs in my kitchen. I bought a great big box of paper whites at Sam's Club. I thought if I could "force" the bulbs and grow them inside I could have beautiful flowers the whole time Mark is gone. My plan is to plant new bulbs every 3-4 weeks. The first set should have bloomed about the sixth week after Mark left. The 5 planted in the first set didn't grow at all. But I learned a lot! I started the second set of bulbs 3 weeks after the first set. It was awesome. I planted 5 in this really sentimental bowl Mark had given to me, I don't even know if he remembers it or not. Many Easters ago back in Virginia Beach, I think it was Katie's first Easter, Mark got me yellow tulips in this bowl and they were so pretty in our bedroom. I've kept the bowl and used it over and over again to plant flowers for our patio. But this time I used it to plant my paper whites. Of the 5 bulbs I planted in this container, 4 of them have bloomed. Kinda of significant since our family of 5 has one missing. They are gorgeous and smell amazing. At the same time I also planted individual bulbs in two antique desert bowls my mom passed down to me. She thinks she received them as a wedding present in 1963 (that makes them 45 years old). Those bulbs are also blooming. I have all these bowls lining the kitchen windows. They are amazingly beautiful and they smell so sweet. Here is just a sampling of how beautiful they really are.

Mark's gift to me

2008-12-03T19:20:00.007-05:00

Mark knows my love of fresh flowers. He has purposed in his heart to make sure I have fresh flowers every month while he is gone to Iraq. Every month and sometimes twice he has the most incredible flower arrangements delivered just for me and just because he loves me. I love him too...he's amazing!

New Class!

2008-11-30T21:06:00.005-05:00

This is for a new class I am teaching at Combat Creations. Check out the website and sign up today! It's called the MIU Album Tin. It is entirely Memories in Uniform and I am using this as Mark's deployment album of all of the pictures he's taken since he's been in Iraq. The really small pictures are the index prints you can get printed. I love it because you can get a lot of pictures on one page.There are several more pages in the accordion but I only shared a few. I also plan on putting his welcome home photo on the front of the tin right below the star and journal the dates he left to the day he came home on the tan tag lines. I can miss him can you tell!

Meet the World's Best Kids!

2008-11-30T20:50:00.007-05:00

We had a busy weekend, relaxing, but we got a lot done. ALL of our Christmas shopping is done! It feels great! I'll be sending out packages this week. Now I can relax and float through the holidays... yeah right! Many of you will get these in your Christmas cards but I just couldn't wait to share them. I am so proud of our kids. The first picture is in the same pose the kids did last time Mark was deployed to Iraq. This year the boys are wearing their Webelos uniform (Cub Scouts) and Katie is wearing her Cheer America All Star uniform.

Mark and I cannot believe that these amazing kids are OURS!!

Caleb, Seth & Katie

Thanksgiving with friends and family

2008-11-29T16:25:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone. It went by so fast, I think because it was so relaxing. We cooked a simple traditional dinner, and we had some great friends over. It was so relaxing and I think we all took a nap (okay the kids didn't but we the adults sure did) next to the cozy fire. Our prayer for you all was to have a safe, relaxing and joyous Thanksgiving weekend, we sure hope you did!

My Beautiful Room...

2008-11-21T22:06:00.009-05:00

Here it is... it's about 90% finished. I need to sit down and go shelf by shelf making them pretty, but they are organized. I've got a military only shelf, shelves of just embellishments, alterables, photographs, and some with just pretty things. I love it, it's simple and functional. Just what I always wanted. Here are some during and after photos. And yes, the shredder exploded on me! Mark never put a bag in it, so i had to dump it in a bag. It didn't make it all the way, can you tell. I can't decide on the curtains, that is why you only see one in the pix. Still contemplating that one. BTW: the pictures don't do it justice! It's soooooo pretty!

"But I never heard that word before!"

2008-11-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

Before my big unveiling of my "studio" I have to share with you something that happened at school today. Apparently the school office called me twice and I didn't answer or return their calls. In my defense our home phone isn't working right (the digital phone router is not cooperating with me right now), but they also never called on my cell phone! So I it can't be that serious right... wrong! This story is so innocent, but so serious in the eyes of the school.

Let's set the stage... the kids are at lunch in a very over crowded cafeteria! Another boy in Caleb and Seth's class (who by the way isn't a really nice kid!) asked Caleb if he could sound out SH---IT. The boy said it really show... like SH............IT! Caleb plainly said "it's like this ...shit". The teacher flipped a lid, and the class all went "OHHHHHHHH". Caleb and Seth had no idea what was going on... straight to the office with you Caleb. He's panicked he had no idea what was happening. He was reprimanded, and he said "Mrs. Frisbee, I never heard that word before I didn't know it was a bad word! Seriously, Mrs. Frisbee I didn't". That didn't get very far. The teacher nor the assistant principal could believe that a 4Th grader had never heard that word before and they should certainly know it was a bad word. They continued not to believe him. He had to rewrite his behavior contract that all students have to sign at the beginning of the year, and he had to apologize to the class. Of course I heard all about this when I picked the kids up, before I got out of the school drive-thru pick-up I parked and we went back to talk to the teacher. She seriously couldn't believe that the boys had never heard that word before. I replied "Mark and I do not use that kind of language neither do most of the people we associate with, so it's no doubt he's never heard it. We don't even watch movies with language like that." She was shocked, still not believing it. I assured her again. Now that I've had time to reflect on the situation I should have asked his teacher to apologize to Caleb for not believing what he had said. So the lesson today parents is to teach your kids bad words and then teach them not to use them or say them because they will get in trouble for not knowing them... interesting isn't it?!

What are those flags? What do they mean?

2008-11-20T07:52:00.012-05:00

I know I am supposed to be "doing my green room". I will, I plan on working on that today.

But I wanted to share with you about Service Star Flags, many of you know what I am talking about. The Service Star Flags were designed in Ohio in 1917 by an Army Col. to honor his 2 sons fighting in WWI. The function of the flag was to let the community know who was directly affected by the war in their small towns. It allowed community members to help, aid and support those families who were often without their husbands, fathers and sons for months or years at a time. The flags were hung in the front right window of the home of families where the service member lives. These Flags have served as a reminder to us as Nation to the sacrifice and commitment made by members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Today as we remain steadfast in our nations commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom many more homes are displaying the Service Flags. Let us remember why those flags are there, those men and women overseas need our help and support but so do the families left behind. Reach out and see what these families might need, it's usually something easy or simple that doesn't take much time or money...maybe they need their lawn mowed, bushes trimmed, a meal that doesn't consist of a dog, tot, or sandwich in it. Maybe they'd like the Cheerios vacuumed out from underneath the car seat, their sidewalk shoveled, time to go grocery shopping alone, or maybe they just need dinner at a friends house. Don't just offer, insist with no strings attached. Military families don't ask for help, and they don't go looking for it, but sometimes we just need it and it' too hard to ask for it.

My D-Day... decision day

2008-11-19T12:24:00.009-05:00

I've been inspired rather challenged to resuscitate my creative side and dig deep into my spirit and live again. Design, create and make a mess. It's been a long time since I've really made things for me, to just experiment and enjoy the pretty papers, stamps, and stickers that surround me in boxes and bags. So today, I have decided I am going to start again. I am going to finish my "studio/office", it's my green room. I want it to be my place to unwind, inspire and express who I am. Below are pictures of my office as it now... it completely stresses me out. I find no peace in here. I am a woman of order, of a schedule, a need to know the plan kind of woman. I do not thrive on chaos; this room is chaos! Right now, I find nothing breath taking about coming into this room (accept the emails that I get from my husband, in case you didn't know he's in Iraq right now!). But that will all change, I will get it done, I will make it pretty, functional, and above all beautiful. I ask all of you to hold me accountable. My goal date to finish this is Saturday morning, 11/22/08. I say Saturday just in case I work on it after midnight on Friday! I can't wait to show you the final product... and pray nothing "SHINY" comes along to distract me! (One more quick thing: that is my dog she has a very hurt leg so the collar is to prevent her from itching it, she's pitiful isn't she.)

It's Snowing, It's Snowing!

2008-11-18T22:12:00.003-05:00

We had a blizzard here in Jacksonville, NC today. It was fierce just look at the photos. The reality is it only lasted about 3 minutes. You have to act quick to catch photos in our snow storms... That's right Ohio be jealous, you might have 2 feet of snow, but we at least got some!

My First Official Blog...

2008-11-18T21:47:00.003-05:00

Mark's been on me to start one of these. I don't know how often I can get on and update you on life. my projects or all the chaos that often surrounds it. So check back periodically and see what's new!