Countdown

I have been really horrible in the past months about updating this blog! I am happy to report that Blaine is on the last leg of his tour in Iraq. He has deployed from Kuwait and is "somewhere out there", nearing Hawaii. I am so excited to have him home, safe, for the holidays. I know it's unrealistic to think that he will always be able to make it home for the holidays, but I'm grateful that this year, I don't have to learn what it's like to be celebrating my favorite time of year, while worrying about death and destruction for my little brother. Extremist...I know. :) This will be the first year in about 3 (i think) that my family will all be together again for Christmas. Blaine will get back to California and have debriefing for a few weeks, and should be home to Idaho Falls sometime in early December. He's working out plans to MAYBE be in IF for Thanksgiving, but no plans yet.

I am so grateful for a brave little brother, and I can't WAIT to see him and hug him and ask a million questions about Iraq. I'm excited to learn what kind of country it truly is, and what wonderful people he met, without media influences! (I believe the heart of life is good...and I'm CERTAIN that our brothers and sister's in Iraq have good hearts too!) Extremist again?! who knows....

But I am extremely excited to see Blaine SOON. What a great reunion lies ahead! My heart goes out to those that will not be having a soldier make it home for the holidays, and they will remain in my prayers, and hopefully YOURS.

A great reunion and lots of pictures to follow soon...in December!

...Counting the Days....

Blaine called me yesterday. I was so excited to get his call. We haven't talked in a while and it was good to hear his voice. He seemed to be in good spirits. As of TODAY, he is shipping out of Kuwait/Iraq, and heading to Bahrain. From there - it should be smooth sailing HOME. This, of course, is all circumstantial, and I'm knocking on wood...but that is the run down for his return.

Blaine has accomplished so much while in Kuwait/Iraq. He has faced personal trials - many of which we (as regular civilians) will never face. I am so proud of him and his committment to the Marines. Even when things are frustrating and not going his way, Blaine never has anything negative to say - except for when another troop broke in and stole over $30,000 of Marine's stuff. His camera was stolen, with EVERY fond memory of Iraq/Kuwait/Bahrain...This REALLY upsets me...but what can you do?

Anyway - please keep the soldiers in your prayers! Many should be returning home in the next few months, and I pray that they will all arrive home safe, and on time!!!!

9/11

It has been REALLY hectic and I meant to post this on 9/11....but even if it's late, it's still VALID:

Thursday, September 11, 2008

"Let's Roll"
These were the words uttered by Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer shortly before he and fellow passengers rushed the cockpit on 9/11. I don't know why, but when I think of that moment, I swell with tears. It makes me think that in a moment when he could play the victim, he ended up playing the hero instead. What a role model. What an example of strength and courage. I couldn't imagine getting that phone call on 9/11 from a loved one saying they were in a hijacked plane. I couldn't imagine having to say goodbye to someone that way. I couldn't imagine my life coming to an end in such a manner. It makes me appreciate the true strength of those passengers as they FOUGHT for their lives, even though they knew there was no hope.

I think "Let's Roll" is such an appropriate comment, and perhaps a great motto for our nation. After 9/11 our nation saw an overwhelming amount of pride, patriotism, and union. I look at our country now, everyone torn on the election, everyone fighting over politics, and it makes 9/11/2001 seem SO long ago. Maybe we can try to bring back that spirit of "Let's Roll" and remember that though we all differ and disagree, we are still ONE nation, under God. The past few years have been very hard for this nation. We took some serious hits with Hurricane Katrina, the war is devastating, the economy is crushing, and spirits are so low. But I am calling out to all of you to say "LETS ROLL". Let's roll with this, let's move forward, let's take our defeats head-on, and become stronger. Say hi to a stranger, smile at random people, do a kind deed, roll with life and what it's dealing you. Never be defeated, even if DEATH is the only outcome, have the courage to STILL say "let's roll".

Today, I will remember. Today I will not forget the heroism and courage of those who were directly affected by 9/11. Today, I am going to take life head on - and no matter how tough things get...I'm going to say "Let's Roll".

A quick shout out to the military - and my brother in the Marines! OOOOH RAH! Thank you for defending this nation, and I'm looking forward to seeing you SOON.

God bless.

Comments from Others

I have been receiving emails from people expressing their support and appreciation for our troops. I'm really impressed with everyone's willingness to support the troops one way or another. I have had TONS of people RSVP for the National Fast (August 3rd). This is amazing! Here are some of the emails, I've removed names and personal info:

· This group is Awesome. I have a cousin that serves our country in the Army. He has served in Iraq and is more than likely going to go back sooner or later. Of course I will be joining the fast as well. What a terrific idea. I wish the best to your brother and just to let you know I pray for our service men and women daily.

· To the soldier this goes to,Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for risking you life everyday for our freedom. Please keep doing what you are doing!! Semper Fi!!!

· I'm so honored to be participating in this support for the american soldiers. I'm brazilian but I fully understand the fight that they face in Iraq for the benefit of that country! if there is anything that I can do to light their burden, i am willing to do so. In my opinion, their will to be there is unique and they deserve all our support and fast and prayer or whatever they may need from us! You can count on me on August 3rd for sure!

· Thank you for having this group set up.My boyfriend and son's father is currently in Iraq serving as a SGT in the United States Marines. He has been gone for two weeks today and I am 8 months pregnant, So I will not be able to partake in the Nation Wide Fast, but I will certainly give up the un needed snacks. Again, thank you so much for making this group and remembering those who fight for out freedom. God Bless

· Thank you for your love and support you so genuinely show by your words, thoughts and actions. My son just returned from Iraq and I know he will be sent again. He is doing what he knows is right and I will support him and all the troops who risk their lives to save their buddies out on the front lines and for us here at home. I will gladly participate in the Fast for our troops. This Fast done in numbers can make a difference and allow our soldiers, marines and seaman to do their job in safety with the help of our prayers and energy focused on them.

· hey thanks for inviting me to join the fast! I'd love to! I really appreciate all those who sacrifice everything to serve our country. Please send my support!

Cindy and Gina Put Together Care Packages for Soldiers

Posted By Cindy Pack:

Care Packages for the Marines!
Gina and I had a blast as we put together 12 care bags/packages for some of the men in BJ's Unit. Brent supplied us with 52 various magazines to send!!!! We couldn't fit them all in but we'll send some in each box we send. They love em-they read then pass them around. Fun for all! Thanks Brent! We put in candy, crackers, hand sani, chapstick, individual propel powder to add to their H2O, tissues, gum, Juice boxes, etc. They all like to get mail so this was fun to do. BJ will divvy them out when theyget there-hopefully in the next week or so.Pics didn't turn out the best---sorry!

The Bumper Sticker on My SUV

I read the lyrics to this song today and it made me happy - I didn't think the song was all that great...but the lyrics are.

"Bumper Of My SUV"

I've got a bright red sticker on the back of my car

Says United States Marines
And yesterday a lady in a mini-van held up a middle finger at me

Does she think she knows what I stand for

Or the things that I believe

Just by looking at a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

See, my brother Chris, he's been in for more than 14 years now

Our dad was in the Navy during Vietnam

Did his duty then he got out

And my grandpa earned his purple heartOn the beach of Normandy
That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

But that doesn't mean that I want war

I'm not Republican or Democrat

But I've gone all around this crazy world

Just to try and better understand

Yes, I do have questions

I get to ask them because I'm free

That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV'

Cause I've been to Hiroshima

And I've been to the DMZ

I've walked on the sand in Baghdad

Still don't have all of the answers I need

But I guess I wanna know where she's been

Before she judges and gestures to me

'Cause she don't like my sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

So I hope that lady in her mini-van

Turns on her radio and hears this from me

As she picks up her kids from their private school

And drives home safely on our city streets

Or to the building where her church group meets

Yeah, that's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines

On the bumper of my SUV

Please add this blog to your personal blog!

If we add this blog to our personal blogs, more people are likely to stumble upon it. Thanks everyone. I'm already recieving an incredible response for people who are willing to fast August 3rd.