Now that D is on leave, he's ready to get to work on projects. He hates just sitting around, so he's making a to do list for himself. One of the first things that he wanted to do was install a new floor in our living room/hallway. We were able to find some really nice flooring inexpensively thanks to a clearance and military discount. He did a wonderful job!! What a difference it makes in how the house looks. Now, we just need to get the house put back together. lol!

I've been working on things here and there, but my main focus has been on getting lots of meals stocked up in the freezer. Since I'm going to be having major surgery in a week, I wanted to make sure that D and Munchkin have lots of good eats in the freezer. So far, I've made a large batch of red chili, a large batch of white chili, 2 containers of mac 'n cheese, and 3 containers of lasagna. I plan on making some large stuffed shells today. I may make a layered Mexican dip as well. I hope to get some other baked goods put up in the freezer as well, but we'll have to see how much time allows me to get done.

I found some great disposable aluminum containers at the dollar store. I'm labeling them and putting instructions for cooking right on them. D is thrilled as he's been really enjoying all of his homecooked meals.

We'll be eating our full Thanksgiving meal this week, since I won't be up to cooking it next week. Then, I'll make some turkey "tv dinners" from the leftovers to have on Thanksgiving Day. I'll make up a couple of pumpkin pies (1 for our dinner together and 1 for later).

D had Munchkin start back up with her schooling on Wednesday, so she's working on a Thanksgiving lapbook. He wanted her to start with the schooling while I was able to help. Then, he'll take over while I'm recovering from surgery. Munchkin isn't thrilled to be working on school work while Daddy is home, but he's doing other work around the house while she does her school work.

Needless to say, we're keeping busy, but we're still having lots of fun together as a family.

Munchkin will be wrapping up her soccer season this week (it was suppose to end this week, but was delayed due to weather) as well as beginning her basketball season. This will be her first year playing basketball, and D is pretty excited as basketball is his sport. Munchkin will be playing basketball in the church Upward Basketball program.

Great is the Lord
Music: Michael W. Smith

Great is the Lord,
He is holy and just
By His power we trust
In His love
Great is the Lord
He is faithful and true
By His mercy He proves
He is love

Chorus:
Great is the Lord
And worthy of glory
Great is the Lord
And worthy of praise
Great is the Lord
Now lift up your voice
Now lift up your voice
Great is the Lord
Great is the Lord

Great is the Lord,
He is holy and just
By His power we trust
In His love
Great is the Lord
He is faithful, and true
By His mercy He proves
He is love

Chorus

Great are you Lord
And worthy of glory
Great are you Lord
And worthy of praise
Great are you Lord
I lift up my voice
I lift up my voice
Great are you Lord
Great are you Lord

History was never my favorite subject in school. Even with a good history teacher, I always found it dry. I was not looking forward to teaching history, but a funny thing happened along the way... History started to come alive as we started our journey into our nation's past.

We are blessed to live in a history rich area. We can visit battlefields where Daddy brings the battles to life. He points out trenches and areas that would be good places to attack. We take guided tours of historical sites, and Munchkin becomes a junior park ranger for the day. We can go to reenactments and historical villages.

Due to D's job, we have decided to use military history as the foundation for our journey through our nation's history and world history. His love of the military shines through as he talks about different battles and strategies that were used. Historic battles come alive as we walk down Civil War trails.

History is no longer dry and boring. It's fun and exciting!

Greater love hath no one than this, than to lay down one's life for a friend. John 15:13

A glimpse into our nation's military history...


American Revolution 1775-1783





American Indian Conflicts 1814-1890


Mexican-American War 1846-1848


American Civil War (War Between the States) 1861-1865


Spanish-American War 1898


Philippine-American War 1898-1902


World War I 1914-1918


World War II 1939-1945


Korean War 1950-1953


Vietnam War 1962-1975


Gulf War 1990-1991


War in Afghanistan 2001-present


Gulf War (War in Iraq) 2003-present

To all of our veterans past and present, thank you for all of the sacrifices that you have made so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we do today.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own. ~~ John F. Kennedy



War of 1812 1812-1815

10 November 2008 - A Birthday Message From The Commandant Of The Marine Corps

During the summer of 1982, in the wake of a presidential directive, Marines went ashore at Beirut, Lebanon. Fifteen months later, on 23 October 1983, extremists struck the first major blow against American forces—starting this long war on terrorism. On that Sunday morning, a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden truck into the headquarters of Battalion Landing Team 1/8, destroying the building and killing 241 Marines and corpsmen.

Extremists have attacked our Nation, at home and abroad, numerous times since that fateful day in Beirut. Their aim has always been the same—to kill as many innocent Americans as possible. The attacks of 11 September 2001 changed our Nation forever, and our President has resolved that this Nation will not stand idle while murderous terrorists plan their next strike. Marines will continue to take the fight to the enemy—hitting them on their own turf, crushing them when they show themselves, and finding them where they hide.

Only a few Americans choose the dangerous, but necessary, work of fighting our Nation’s enemies. When our chapter of history is written, it will be a saga of a selfless generation of Marines who were willing to stand up and fight for our Nation; to defend those who could not defend themselves; to thrive on the hardship and sacrifice expected of an elite warrior class; to march to the sound of the guns; and to ably shoulder the legacy of those Marines who have gone before.

On our 233rd birthday, first remember those who have served and those “angels” who have fallen—our reputation was built on their sacrifices. Remember our families; they are the unsung heroes whose support and dedication allow us to answer our Nation’s call. Finally, to all Marines and Sailors, know that I am proud of you and what you do. Your successes on the battlefield have only added to our illustrious history. Lieutenant General Victor H. “Brute” Krulak said it best when he wrote, “… the United States does not need a Marine Corps … the United States wants a Marine Corps.” Your actions, in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the globe, are at the core of why America loves her Marines.

Happy Birthday, Marines!

Semper Fidelis,

James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps

More Than a Friend
Jeremy Riddle

In the quiet of my soul
In the stillness I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

My heart longs to worship You my King
And I long to bring You a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

Oh Jesus You bring joy to my soul, Jesus
Your love and your grace
Your merciful touch brings
joy to my soul, joy to my soul

Oh Jesus, joy to my soul

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

Assignment: My family and I rarely do anything apart from each other. We don’t really have quality time together because all our time is together. We feel like the more special moments are when we have dinner together or when we worship God together. For this assignment, tell how you and your family spend QUALITY time together.

Other than when D is deployed or away for training, our family also does pretty much everything together. We enjoy spending time together doing things or even just being in the same room with each other while working on various projects.

Lately, quality time is basically any time that we get to spend with D. I've so enjoyed watching Munchkin and Daddy having fun playing together. Last night, they were building with Legos which was a lot of fun to watch. Munchkin is also happy to have her Daddy home to practice soccer before the games.



"Behold, children are a hertitage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:3