Check out my Slide Show!

Our Soldier

This is Sgt. Tracy pictured with his favorite nephew Action. He has been deployed for 400 days which began March 15, 2008 and ends April 19, 2009. Please pray for his safe return. We love him dearly and his precious wife too.

Eavesdropping, For lack of a better term

I have a friend who designs blogs Jilly Blog Designs (http://www.jillyblogdesigns.blogspot.com/) and when looking at her list of sites she has done, I came across a very personal site that has really touched me. I felt strange reading this woman's thoughts. She lost a baby at 31 weeks and it is amazing some of the things she has written. She really pours out her heart in several entries and wow. I thank her and commend her for sharing her experiences.

So I feel the need to make: My list of pure joy

1. My children each bring me joy in so many ways. They all came into the world very differently and I am thankful for each experience. (even the spinal-free c-section)

2. I get so much joy from my children's names. Sounds crazy I know, but they all have great meaning and history. Each was named for very important people in my husband and my lives. They remind me daily of how lucky we were to have been blessed by their name sakes.

3. The way Miss M looks at me when she wants something or is trying to be funny. Just pure joy.

4. The joy they bring my husband, gives me joy.

5. The crazy, nonsensical things Miss M says bring joy to so many people. The other day she said her Aunt J runs around in just her panties all the time. True? Maybe, but Miss M doesn't know that. Aunt J lives outside of Lubbock and has clothes on every time we see her.

6. When my 7 year voluntarily gives me a good night hug, brings great joy.

7. The beautiful smile on Jack's face when he's trying to be sneaky and break a confetti egg over my head. Absolute joy.

8. The way little O lights up when you had him a ball. This not only brings me joy, but obviously just make his day, or minute.

9. I love the way everyone lights up when J gets home from work. Everyone yells "Daddy" and runs toward him. They all have things to tell him from their week and all have to tell him at the same time. What a joyful noise.

10. I love that my children love their aunts and uncles. They are so happy to see them and I think the feelings are mutual. I know their letters and drawings will bring our Soldier joy and that gives me joy.

I know I could think of 100 more things that bring me joy about my children, so this week I pray that that list tops my thoughts always and that every time we have a conflict I remember the joy.

Count downs

Does anyone know of a good place to get a count down for my blog?

10 Things Tuesday

I know it's late in the day, but we just got home and unloaded. It's been a hard weekend for my family so I've had to think long and hard about today's list, but I made myself do it. I am thankful for these things....

1. Sgt. J. Tracy - U.S. Army reserves, deployed Saturday for 400 days to Afghanistan.
2. Mrs. J. Tracy
3. The family who loves and supports them.
4. Peterson, J's roommate. A youth minister, who will save J more than once I'm sure.
5. My freedom.
6. All those who protect me and my family.
7. The family of those who protect my family.
8. The new mom soldier who will miss the next 400 days of her infants growing.
9. The men who won't see their babies born.
10. The hand of God that will protect them while they are gone.

Ten Things Tuesday

My Friend has challenged me (and everyone else) to do this exercise in thankfulness every Tuesday. Or more often if you are feeling particularly blessed.
My 10 things for Tuesday March 11, 2008 are:

1. First thing this morning I was thankful for the very healthy lungs of O.
2. The tiny helpful hands of Mama Mia.
3. That Jack can dress himself.
4. I am thankful I can afford to put gas in the car.
5. I was reminded many times over today about how blessed my family and I are by our wonder, caring and thoughtful friends.
6. I am thankful it's baseball time in Texas and for the many able bodied little boys who play.
7. I am thankful for the men who take time to coach these little men.
8. I am thankful for the beautiful legs of my O that take him wherever he wants to go.
9. I am thankful for my beautiful legs that chase after him.
10. I am thankful for my friend who made me really see what I have been blessed with.

Count your many blessings, Name them one by one!

Tales from the Crypt

Howdy all. It finally happened. For the first time in my life I have been diagnosed with the flu. Granted I'm not 100% sure I haven't had the flu before, but I am 100% sure I had it this passed week. I know Tamiflu is a wonderful drug and I am thankful that it made me feel so much better, but mad it sure has upset my stomach - and little O's as well. After talking to the pharmacist I'm pretty sure he is exhibiting side effects. So I still haven't decided if it is bad enough to stop taking the med and chance flu symptoms again. I stayed in bed most of the day Friday and it was really nice. I tend to go stir crazy so I got up occasionally, but for the most part I took full advantage of my sweet husband (who isn't feeling 100% either) He took to and from school and played with O all day. I sleep best with some noise so I had the TV on and caught a rerun of Hope and Faith. I really liked that show. I had forgotten how funny it was. Kelly Rippa was just hysterical. And her clothes - loved them! And her body - wow. I'll be looking like that before you know it. Especially if my stomach stays upset.
Don't forget to change your clocks or you'll all be late for Church in the morning.
Peace out.