A triangle is the most durable possible shape, the only "perfect" figure which if all endpoints have hinges will never change its shape unless the sides themselves are bent.
Three. There are three primary colors: red, yellow & blue.
Three. The Christian Holy Trinity: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit.
Three. The Earth is the third planet in its local solar system.
Three. There are 3 notes in a triad, the most important and basic form of any chord.
Three. DNA has a triplet codon system. Chromosomes can present a trisomy. Atoms consist of consist of three constituents: protons, neurons, and electrons. There are 3 basic chemical reaction substances: Acids, Bases, and Salts. Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion: The Law of Inertia, the Law of Momentum and the Law of Reciprocal Action which states "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."
Three.
I have three sons. When our 2-year old counts his numbers, he always skips over the number three. I love the number 3.
When Michael and I transferred to SC from VA, we made the decision that the focus of our family would be tri-fold: home, church and scouts.
In our home, we strive to create a safe haven within our home where our sons feel comfortable and enjoy spending time at home with their family. We want to forge in their lives the fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23) We want our home to be safe, secure happy place filled with songs, praise, fun, a mutual respect, and always unconditional love.
Being members of a local church has been a wonderful blessing. We want our children to understand the importance of being active and involved. We want to help develop their love for the Lord and to nurture their servant-like hearts. Our children are excited to attend Sunday school on Sunday mornings, (well, our 2-year old does exhibit anxiety when going into his classroom) and our family enjoys being a part of a life group. It is our desire to guide our children to know, love, and worship God in what will be a lifelong relationship with Christ.
When I became a mother, I knew from the very beginning that I wanted our son to become involved with scouting. As a tiger cub in 2005, he set the goal to become an Eagle scout. At present, he is a 2nd class Boy scout and continues on his path toward Eagle.
Our second son, has also been involved in scouting since he was a tiger cub in 2008. At present, he is a Bear Cub; it was at his pack graduation from Wolf to Bear, that Alex expressed the desire to become an Eagle Scout.
The scouting program is a great program that helps to teach values and leadership. The BSA provides a program that builds character, trains boys in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. For nearly a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. We are proud and honored to be a part of this century old organization.
I love the number three.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Quality and Quantity of Time
I began writing this blog in May 2006. At that time, Michael was on deployment, serving aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He was on back to back sea tours (having transferred from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
In the years between 2000-2010, Michael joined the Navy, graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes IL, has served with 2 sea commands and has completed 6 deployments. His deployments have added up to 36 months (or 3 years) apart from his family. Of course, that calculation does not include the separations we have endured during his duty rotations, air wing work-ups or rotating shift work. For 10 years, this separation schedule has been the model of our family life. God first, duty & country second, family third. We had become accustomed to a life without Michael. Important dates on the calendar were just that...numbers on a page. We learned how to truly appreciate the little things of life, and to not take time for granted. We learned to enjoy the quality of time together, rather than quantity of time together.
Michael is currently on his first shore command, and has received a new set of TAD (temporary assigned duty) orders: he will be a full-time instructor. For the next 12 months, his work schedule will model that of a typical, normal routine. Monday thru Friday regular work hours, nights/weekends/holidays off. We have 12-months to enjoy a normal family life, before he returns to a Prototype crew and his rotating shift work begins again. Sea command rotation will begin in December 2012.
Until then, we have the opportunity as a family to not only enjoy quality time together, but quantity of time together!
In the years between 2000-2010, Michael joined the Navy, graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes IL, has served with 2 sea commands and has completed 6 deployments. His deployments have added up to 36 months (or 3 years) apart from his family. Of course, that calculation does not include the separations we have endured during his duty rotations, air wing work-ups or rotating shift work. For 10 years, this separation schedule has been the model of our family life. God first, duty & country second, family third. We had become accustomed to a life without Michael. Important dates on the calendar were just that...numbers on a page. We learned how to truly appreciate the little things of life, and to not take time for granted. We learned to enjoy the quality of time together, rather than quantity of time together.
Michael is currently on his first shore command, and has received a new set of TAD (temporary assigned duty) orders: he will be a full-time instructor. For the next 12 months, his work schedule will model that of a typical, normal routine. Monday thru Friday regular work hours, nights/weekends/holidays off. We have 12-months to enjoy a normal family life, before he returns to a Prototype crew and his rotating shift work begins again. Sea command rotation will begin in December 2012.
Until then, we have the opportunity as a family to not only enjoy quality time together, but quantity of time together!
Hello again, how are you?
I spent 4 hours today on the internet reading various blog sites of friends. I have come to the realization that I must recommit to becoming a new blogger. I started this blog 4 years ago, and I realized how quickly time is passing, and how much my life has changed in those 48 months. Since 2006, Michael has completed 2 more deployments (for a total of 6 in seven years), spent another year of rotating shift work in Naval Norfolk Shipyard, I gave birth to our third son, we became landlords, we built a house, we moved AGAIN. How I wish I could go back and read my thoughts from the past 4 years, and remember what I was doing during that time from 2006 to present day.
Presently, my mother is researching the Strong family tree on ancestory.com trying to find out information on our family history. Right now, I am more interested in the present, because tomorrow, it will be my history, and I want there to be a detailed record of my legacy and some details of the day-to-day happenings of my life.
Presently, my mother is researching the Strong family tree on ancestory.com trying to find out information on our family history. Right now, I am more interested in the present, because tomorrow, it will be my history, and I want there to be a detailed record of my legacy and some details of the day-to-day happenings of my life.
After witnessing the passing of my stepfather in December-- the continued grieving of his widow, I have experienced first hand what James was trying to convey to me in scripture, "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14) . I MUST blog. I want to be able to look back on these snippets of time and be able to re-read some type of archive of what took place during my brief time here. Perhaps Michael, Chad, Alex, and Ryan will find comfort in it one day too.
Ironically, the thing I want to document, my time in this life, is the thing that has kept me away from this blog site. I must better manage my busy-ness, and personal time. My goal with this blog is to document our family legacy, our memories and our present day experiences, sometimes, I will only hit the highlights, but it is our adventures today that become my children's memories tomorrow!
25 Random Things...
25 Random Things About Me...
1. I was born as a preemie at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA. I was born to teenage parents, Craig & Sharon, and was born during my mother's spring break. What a miracle. God has his hand in my life from the very beginning. "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you..." (Jer. 1:5). I was born at 26 weeks, weighing in at 2 lbs, 11 ounces, and my delivery happened to take place at a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit. This type of care was not available in 1971 at Maury Regional Hosptial in Columbia, TN (my mother's hometown). I moved a dozen times in my first 8 years, before I came to live with my grandparents permanently in 1979.
2. Columbia Military Academy was purchased by the churches of Christ and opened its doors in 1979-1980 school year. I attended this small, private, Christian high school and made some more wonderful, lifelong friends. Played basketball in 7th & 8th grade – but became a ladies basketball manager in 10th, 11th, 12th grades instead. To this day, I cannot watch an NBA game without mentally logging the assists...
4. I attended & graduated from a Christian university…loved it…made more lifelong friends…worried too much about grades and tried to maintain a long distance relationship with my high school boyfriend...heart was broken 2 years after high school…majored in psychology & thought I wanted to go to medical school..(afraid to take the MCAT exam)...met my mate at Lipscomb...planned a wedding, worked 2 full time jobs, and attended graduate school and completed my Master's Degree in Counseling...decided to take "a year off" from school...then try for medical school...1 year become 2, then here comes Stephanie with a baby carriage...never did go back to finish requirements for medical school..chose another dream instead.
5. Got my best job(s) ever at Tennessee Children's Home, Spring Hill Campus…worked there for 8 years…made more lifelong friends…my darling husband changed jobs, joined the Navy and we moved from TN to SC moved on to my current most favorite job, stay-at-home mom.
6. Have moved 4 times in six years. Moved from Atlantic Coast (SC) to Pacific Northwest (WA) then back to Atlantic Coast (VA) and returned to SC. I love being a Navy wife. I have seen so many wonders of our our beautiful country and have met so many fascinating people, and made more life long friends. I love it…
7. The domestic chore I dislike most is vacuuming (not crazy about scrubbing tubs & showers either). I would love to have enough money to be able hire a cleaning service for 1X a month so that I could maintain a clean household, get a deep cleaning at least once a month, and then enjoy "the joys of life instead of focusing on the chores of life". (Wonderful Quote Chris!)
8. I love to read (the library is one of my favorite places to go), cook (especially love to grill in the summertime, or cook on a campfire), watch movies (family movie night is a weekly must), be with my kids & Darling husband (not easy to spend time with my DH, he is usually deployed, on duty rotation, or shiftwork), spending time with my kids, travel, (mostly road trips), I also love, love, love music – especially listening to my sons and children sing, truly a gift from God.
9. I love JET NOISE...I miss our previous duty station. We lived in Virginia Beach for 3 years and lived only 5 minutes from the beautiful beach/Atlantic Coast. Our oldest son aspires to be a Naval Aviator, our second son wants to be a photographer and we have to wait and see what our toddler will aspire to be (professional golfer perhaps?). I will do everything within my power to help all of our sons attain their goals and make their dreams a reality!
10. I live in the area of historic Charleston. We live in a beautiful community and our neighborhood street is indeed a blessing. There is such a wonderful sense of community and family. Also, we are members of a fabulous church and cub scout pack & troop. Most of our extracurricular activities center on home, church and scouts.
10. When I first met my husband, I wasn’t interested at all, I had my own personal/emotional baggage I had to deal with...and after a while (and lots of cognitive therapy!) my heart found the capability to love again…I got lucky.
11. My favorite Christmas gift was a Barbie dream house. I played with my Barbies every afternoon while watching Scooby-Doo Cartoons from age 8-13. We moved to the Nashville Hwy when I was 13 and Barbie was never unpacked from the moving boxes. Thought I would have the opportunity to play with her when I had a daughter of my own. Gave birth to 3 sons. Barbie will have to wait.
12. My sons are the first male Strunks born in over 20 years. I do not have any relationship with my biological father or my maiden name. I love the fact that my husband's parents celebrate annual reunions every year. Strunk family reunion takes place every September, the weekend after Labor Day. Last time our family was able to attend a Strunk family reunion in Morton, IL was in 2002. His mother's reunion (Osborne) takes place the last weekend in June. The last Osborne reunion we attended was in 2007. Hope to make the Osborne family reunion in 2012.
13. I love listening to my 2 year old learn new vocabulary words, and practice his numbers, colors and alphabet letters. My new favorite word is "Zumba". Our 2-year old loves to Zumba and I love how he says it!
14. I am terrible at most athletics, but I do enjoy Wii Bowling. Recently was introduced to Golf toss. It is a fun outdoor activity for our family. I also enjoy Boche ball.
15. My favorite indulgence is dark chocolate Reeses cups. I treat myself once a week during family movie night. Perfect with a Coca-cola and buttered popcorn!
16. If I had more money I would also indulge in a monthly, manicures and pedicures. Of course, on a more practical note, my personal goal in the next 3 years, is to be able to afford to send all 3 of our children to a private Christian school.
17. Our firstborn son has the personality of his father, our second son is just like me, and our third son is a perfect blend of both. All three have their father's eyes, and I love that.
18. My oldest son loves music, sings in the chorus and plays piano. He will be attending a Middle School for the arts this fall. Our second son is a natural athlete. I hope we can find a local baseball team for him..and I can't wait until our youngest son is old enough to start golf lessons...right now, he swings with his left.
19. I pray that my children will always have a compassionate heart, a life-long faith in God, life-long friends, and I have been praying for their mates since the day they were born. I highly recommend "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie OMartian.
21. The Lord has blessed me with a 3500 sq foot house. We built it with teenage sons in mind (I want them to them to have the opportunity to host their friends. Some of my best moments in high school occurred between my house and Ricky's). I pray that my lifelong friends will find an excuse to travel to see us...we have guest rooms ready!
22. My 40th birthday is approaching. I want to celebrate all year long. I want to visit Seattle and visit with all my Lake Stevens ladies, indulge in a Dark Chocolate Dilettante mocha from Espresso Connection, visit the Public Market, and all the sights in the city of Seattle. I want a birthday party with all my childhood & high school friends, to go to Walt Disney World, see a Broadway show in New York, have a ladies weekend with my mom.
23. I have never been a dog person. There was Snoopy, my grandmother's dachshund, when I was a young child. His back went out and had to be put to sleep. My next dog was a rescue pup from a Maury County Shelter...Pooh Bear...was a gift for my 25th birthday...lived with us for six years, and then moved in with my inlaws in 2002...Pooh Bear passed away in 2009. We met an adorable black Lab puppy on June 26. I had recently read the book, "Marley & Me", and of course, called him "Marley". I immediately was drawn to this pup, the runt of the litter (of 9). Have been reading and researching Labs, and the cost of dog ownership. Tossing and turning trying to decide if we want to add a dog to our family. Of course, Michael and our 3 boys are all for it; I am afraid of the expense to care and own a dog. And of course, I know my grandmother would never approve. I'm a 39 year old woman, and I still seek her approval.
24. I adore Walt Disney World. Our family are members of the Disney Vacation Club. I have visited the happiest place on earth, but one day, I want our family to experience Adventures by Disney; either the "Spirit of America", or "Discovery Down Under".
25. Inside each of us, our truth compass resides. I wish true peace within my husband. He wants to keep the peace and avoid ugly confrontation. Just the mere mention of the term "sister" and my husband emotionally shuts down. His family doesn't even realize, or choose to ignore it, to keep the "pseudo-peace". I pray for him to deal with the problem that is causing the unrest and disharmony, so that peace will follow.
26. I wish I had started Facebook, oh, and Silly Bandz.
1. I was born as a preemie at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA. I was born to teenage parents, Craig & Sharon, and was born during my mother's spring break. What a miracle. God has his hand in my life from the very beginning. "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you..." (Jer. 1:5). I was born at 26 weeks, weighing in at 2 lbs, 11 ounces, and my delivery happened to take place at a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit. This type of care was not available in 1971 at Maury Regional Hosptial in Columbia, TN (my mother's hometown). I moved a dozen times in my first 8 years, before I came to live with my grandparents permanently in 1979.
2. Columbia Military Academy was purchased by the churches of Christ and opened its doors in 1979-1980 school year. I attended this small, private, Christian high school and made some more wonderful, lifelong friends. Played basketball in 7th & 8th grade – but became a ladies basketball manager in 10th, 11th, 12th grades instead. To this day, I cannot watch an NBA game without mentally logging the assists...
4. I attended & graduated from a Christian university…loved it…made more lifelong friends…worried too much about grades and tried to maintain a long distance relationship with my high school boyfriend...heart was broken 2 years after high school…majored in psychology & thought I wanted to go to medical school..(afraid to take the MCAT exam)...met my mate at Lipscomb...planned a wedding, worked 2 full time jobs, and attended graduate school and completed my Master's Degree in Counseling...decided to take "a year off" from school...then try for medical school...1 year become 2, then here comes Stephanie with a baby carriage...never did go back to finish requirements for medical school..chose another dream instead.
5. Got my best job(s) ever at Tennessee Children's Home, Spring Hill Campus…worked there for 8 years…made more lifelong friends…my darling husband changed jobs, joined the Navy and we moved from TN to SC moved on to my current most favorite job, stay-at-home mom.
6. Have moved 4 times in six years. Moved from Atlantic Coast (SC) to Pacific Northwest (WA) then back to Atlantic Coast (VA) and returned to SC. I love being a Navy wife. I have seen so many wonders of our our beautiful country and have met so many fascinating people, and made more life long friends. I love it…
7. The domestic chore I dislike most is vacuuming (not crazy about scrubbing tubs & showers either). I would love to have enough money to be able hire a cleaning service for 1X a month so that I could maintain a clean household, get a deep cleaning at least once a month, and then enjoy "the joys of life instead of focusing on the chores of life". (Wonderful Quote Chris!)
8. I love to read (the library is one of my favorite places to go), cook (especially love to grill in the summertime, or cook on a campfire), watch movies (family movie night is a weekly must), be with my kids & Darling husband (not easy to spend time with my DH, he is usually deployed, on duty rotation, or shiftwork), spending time with my kids, travel, (mostly road trips), I also love, love, love music – especially listening to my sons and children sing, truly a gift from God.
9. I love JET NOISE...I miss our previous duty station. We lived in Virginia Beach for 3 years and lived only 5 minutes from the beautiful beach/Atlantic Coast. Our oldest son aspires to be a Naval Aviator, our second son wants to be a photographer and we have to wait and see what our toddler will aspire to be (professional golfer perhaps?). I will do everything within my power to help all of our sons attain their goals and make their dreams a reality!
10. I live in the area of historic Charleston. We live in a beautiful community and our neighborhood street is indeed a blessing. There is such a wonderful sense of community and family. Also, we are members of a fabulous church and cub scout pack & troop. Most of our extracurricular activities center on home, church and scouts.
10. When I first met my husband, I wasn’t interested at all, I had my own personal/emotional baggage I had to deal with...and after a while (and lots of cognitive therapy!) my heart found the capability to love again…I got lucky.
11. My favorite Christmas gift was a Barbie dream house. I played with my Barbies every afternoon while watching Scooby-Doo Cartoons from age 8-13. We moved to the Nashville Hwy when I was 13 and Barbie was never unpacked from the moving boxes. Thought I would have the opportunity to play with her when I had a daughter of my own. Gave birth to 3 sons. Barbie will have to wait.
12. My sons are the first male Strunks born in over 20 years. I do not have any relationship with my biological father or my maiden name. I love the fact that my husband's parents celebrate annual reunions every year. Strunk family reunion takes place every September, the weekend after Labor Day. Last time our family was able to attend a Strunk family reunion in Morton, IL was in 2002. His mother's reunion (Osborne) takes place the last weekend in June. The last Osborne reunion we attended was in 2007. Hope to make the Osborne family reunion in 2012.
13. I love listening to my 2 year old learn new vocabulary words, and practice his numbers, colors and alphabet letters. My new favorite word is "Zumba". Our 2-year old loves to Zumba and I love how he says it!
14. I am terrible at most athletics, but I do enjoy Wii Bowling. Recently was introduced to Golf toss. It is a fun outdoor activity for our family. I also enjoy Boche ball.
15. My favorite indulgence is dark chocolate Reeses cups. I treat myself once a week during family movie night. Perfect with a Coca-cola and buttered popcorn!
16. If I had more money I would also indulge in a monthly, manicures and pedicures. Of course, on a more practical note, my personal goal in the next 3 years, is to be able to afford to send all 3 of our children to a private Christian school.
17. Our firstborn son has the personality of his father, our second son is just like me, and our third son is a perfect blend of both. All three have their father's eyes, and I love that.
18. My oldest son loves music, sings in the chorus and plays piano. He will be attending a Middle School for the arts this fall. Our second son is a natural athlete. I hope we can find a local baseball team for him..and I can't wait until our youngest son is old enough to start golf lessons...right now, he swings with his left.
19. I pray that my children will always have a compassionate heart, a life-long faith in God, life-long friends, and I have been praying for their mates since the day they were born. I highly recommend "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie OMartian.
21. The Lord has blessed me with a 3500 sq foot house. We built it with teenage sons in mind (I want them to them to have the opportunity to host their friends. Some of my best moments in high school occurred between my house and Ricky's). I pray that my lifelong friends will find an excuse to travel to see us...we have guest rooms ready!
22. My 40th birthday is approaching. I want to celebrate all year long. I want to visit Seattle and visit with all my Lake Stevens ladies, indulge in a Dark Chocolate Dilettante mocha from Espresso Connection, visit the Public Market, and all the sights in the city of Seattle. I want a birthday party with all my childhood & high school friends, to go to Walt Disney World, see a Broadway show in New York, have a ladies weekend with my mom.
23. I have never been a dog person. There was Snoopy, my grandmother's dachshund, when I was a young child. His back went out and had to be put to sleep. My next dog was a rescue pup from a Maury County Shelter...Pooh Bear...was a gift for my 25th birthday...lived with us for six years, and then moved in with my inlaws in 2002...Pooh Bear passed away in 2009. We met an adorable black Lab puppy on June 26. I had recently read the book, "Marley & Me", and of course, called him "Marley". I immediately was drawn to this pup, the runt of the litter (of 9). Have been reading and researching Labs, and the cost of dog ownership. Tossing and turning trying to decide if we want to add a dog to our family. Of course, Michael and our 3 boys are all for it; I am afraid of the expense to care and own a dog. And of course, I know my grandmother would never approve. I'm a 39 year old woman, and I still seek her approval.
24. I adore Walt Disney World. Our family are members of the Disney Vacation Club. I have visited the happiest place on earth, but one day, I want our family to experience Adventures by Disney; either the "Spirit of America", or "Discovery Down Under".
25. Inside each of us, our truth compass resides. I wish true peace within my husband. He wants to keep the peace and avoid ugly confrontation. Just the mere mention of the term "sister" and my husband emotionally shuts down. His family doesn't even realize, or choose to ignore it, to keep the "pseudo-peace". I pray for him to deal with the problem that is causing the unrest and disharmony, so that peace will follow.
26. I wish I had started Facebook, oh, and Silly Bandz.
A Jog Down Memory Lane
It is quiet in the house right now. Our youngest son is asleep, and our older 2 sons are attending Cub Scout Resident Camp at Camp Ho Non Wah.
The draw of Facebook is a daily habit. Thanks to this social network, I have reconnected with friends, family and teachers, some of whom I have not seen in 30 years! I am reminded of my own mortality. It has been 21 years since I graduated from high school. Thankfully, the majority of my classmates are close friends, and we have managed to see each other at least once per year since our graduation day in May 1989.
My 40th birthday is around the corner...just 8 short months from now. I have been taking my own personal journey down memory lane. It began with my 20th high school reunion in May 2009, continued with reconnecting with past friends on Facebook, and continued when my aunt found my high school graduation ceremony on a VCR tape this June.
As I watched the frames of the film, and looked at the innocent 18-year old girl on the screen, how I wish I could share with her the wisdom of the past 21 years. In 1989, the world was my oyster. I was a teenager in love, and headed to college, excited for my life journey to begin. Time seemed to move too slow.
And now, time is moving quickly. So quickly, it is a daunting task for me to keep up. I am no longer just looking forward. I catch myself looking back. I need a good pair of tennis shoes. This jog down memory lane is going to take a while.
The draw of Facebook is a daily habit. Thanks to this social network, I have reconnected with friends, family and teachers, some of whom I have not seen in 30 years! I am reminded of my own mortality. It has been 21 years since I graduated from high school. Thankfully, the majority of my classmates are close friends, and we have managed to see each other at least once per year since our graduation day in May 1989.
My 40th birthday is around the corner...just 8 short months from now. I have been taking my own personal journey down memory lane. It began with my 20th high school reunion in May 2009, continued with reconnecting with past friends on Facebook, and continued when my aunt found my high school graduation ceremony on a VCR tape this June.
As I watched the frames of the film, and looked at the innocent 18-year old girl on the screen, how I wish I could share with her the wisdom of the past 21 years. In 1989, the world was my oyster. I was a teenager in love, and headed to college, excited for my life journey to begin. Time seemed to move too slow.
And now, time is moving quickly. So quickly, it is a daunting task for me to keep up. I am no longer just looking forward. I catch myself looking back. I need a good pair of tennis shoes. This jog down memory lane is going to take a while.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Frames of Life
In scripture, James compares life with a vapor saying: "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).
Daily I am reminded of how quickly time passes. I see it reflected back at me every morning when I look in the mirror and discover a new "platinum highlight", or new "laugh line".
"I don't love my wrinkles and I'm certainly not fond of my neck, but I'm not ashamed of them. They are who I am..it's a record of the life I've lived." (quote by character Nora Walker)
There are 7 more school days of Chad's elementary school career...and then he will become a middle schooler! I remember the day I brought home him home from the hospital, the first time he rolled from his tummy to his back, the first time he crawled, his first word ("MOMMA"), his first steps, his first day of preschool, how excited he was to ride the school bus on his first day of kindergarten, etc. Because we are an active duty Navy family, Chad has attended nine different schools since the age of 1...his academic career has spanned 4 states TN, WA, VA & SC. And beginning this fall, a tenth school will be added to the list.
This weekend, at our pack camp out, Alex will graduate from a Wolf cub to a Bear Cub. I can still remember the day Chad crossed over from a wolf to a bear cub while we were stationed in VA. And now, it's Alex's turn.
One of my closest friends gave birth to her second daughter on Wednesday (Welcome to the world Anneliese...congratulations Wiz on becoming a Big sister!). It seems like only yesterday our third son Ryan was born. Two years have passed since that blessed day. He brings such wonderment and joy into my life with each new discovery. Every day is an adventure.
Thank you God for all the memories and prayers for many more moments to capture in my own frame of life.
Daily I am reminded of how quickly time passes. I see it reflected back at me every morning when I look in the mirror and discover a new "platinum highlight", or new "laugh line".
"I don't love my wrinkles and I'm certainly not fond of my neck, but I'm not ashamed of them. They are who I am..it's a record of the life I've lived." (quote by character Nora Walker)
There are 7 more school days of Chad's elementary school career...and then he will become a middle schooler! I remember the day I brought home him home from the hospital, the first time he rolled from his tummy to his back, the first time he crawled, his first word ("MOMMA"), his first steps, his first day of preschool, how excited he was to ride the school bus on his first day of kindergarten, etc. Because we are an active duty Navy family, Chad has attended nine different schools since the age of 1...his academic career has spanned 4 states TN, WA, VA & SC. And beginning this fall, a tenth school will be added to the list.
This weekend, at our pack camp out, Alex will graduate from a Wolf cub to a Bear Cub. I can still remember the day Chad crossed over from a wolf to a bear cub while we were stationed in VA. And now, it's Alex's turn.
One of my closest friends gave birth to her second daughter on Wednesday (Welcome to the world Anneliese...congratulations Wiz on becoming a Big sister!). It seems like only yesterday our third son Ryan was born. Two years have passed since that blessed day. He brings such wonderment and joy into my life with each new discovery. Every day is an adventure.
Thank you God for all the memories and prayers for many more moments to capture in my own frame of life.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Caching in on a new family adventure & sport!
Our family discovered the adventure of geocaching! Geocaching celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache’s existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try to locate the geocache. The word Geocaching refers to GEO for geography, and to CACHING, the process of hiding a cache.
In its simplest form, a cache always contains a logbook. The logbook contains information from the owner of the cache, notes from visitors and can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. In smaller caches, a logsheet may be used.
Larger caches may contain a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the owner or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, it is only fair for you to leave something in return. It is recommended that items in a cache be individually packaged in a clear, zipped plastic bag to protect them from the elements.
Quite often you may also find a trackable item. Groundspeak Trackables come in two types: Groundspeak Travel Bugs®, and official Geocoins.
A Groundspeak Travel Bug is a trackable tag that you attach to an item, and which travels from cache to cache with the help of people like you. Each tag is etched with a unique code which the finder can use to log its travels on this website. Every Travel Bug has a goal given by its owner, so if you think you can help it along on its journey feel free to take it with you.
Geocoins are special trackable coins created by other Geocachers to commemorate special events or as a signature item to leave in caches. They function exactly like Travel Bugs and should be moved to another cache unless otherwise specified by their owners. The variety of different geocoins is staggering! More information about Travel Bugs and Geocoins can be found on the Groundspeak Trackables page.
Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents. As of May 17, 2010, there are over 1,070,222 active geocaches around the world.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
How fast time flies...
Wow, it has been 4 years since my last post to this blog. Apparently I am not a very good blogger. Since my last post, we have grown by 2 feet in our family. We welcomed our third son in January 2008. We have completed another PCS move (our fourth move in 7 years) and we finally are on a shore duty command after 2 back to back sea duty rotations.
This past weekend I had a reunion with my college roommate after 16 years. We had not seen one another since I graduated from DLU in 1994. Thanks to Facebook, we have been able to reconnect and our weekend reunion became a reality. It was Stephanie R. who encouraged me to resurrect this blog, and begin to chronicle our family adventures. Well, let's give this blog another try...before more time flies.
This past weekend I had a reunion with my college roommate after 16 years. We had not seen one another since I graduated from DLU in 1994. Thanks to Facebook, we have been able to reconnect and our weekend reunion became a reality. It was Stephanie R. who encouraged me to resurrect this blog, and begin to chronicle our family adventures. Well, let's give this blog another try...before more time flies.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Attached is a picture of our "moat" (as I call it). It is a water feature which came with our house (been in existence since the day of our walk thru on June 19th; realtor told me it was due to the heavy rains and the fact that we are at sea level).
It is home to numerous tadpoles (Chad and Alex have enjoyed watching the tadpoles grow) and of course is a mosquito breeding haven! Today it is to be no more. The concrete contractor is beginning the work to add an additional driveway space, a 5 foot sidewalk next to the house leading to the back yard, and a nice concrete pad (to store my garbage can and recycling bin) behind the privacy fence. HOORAY!
Speaking of tadpoles, which grow up to be frogs, the following is a great little story I read on a military spouse message board. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed reading it.
One day two frogs fell into a ten gallon milk bucket. They swam around for hours. One frog gave up and said, "What is the use?" He drowned. The other frog decided he couldn't afford to give up. So the frog kicked and kicked until the cream turned to butter. The frog that was persistant jumped out of the bucket. Just because some around you see the negative, you cannot afford to quit!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Remembering Carl Brashear, US Navy's first African American Diver
By JACK DORSEY AND JIM WASHINGTON, The Virginian-Pilot © July 26, 2006 Last updated 8:06 AM Jul. 26
PORTSMOUTH — Retired Master Chief Carl Maxie Brashear, the Navy’s first black deep sea diver, whose refusal to quit despite racism and grueling physical trauma inspired the movie “Men of Honor,” died Tuesday of heart and respiratory failure at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. He was 75.
It’s the same hospital where he recovered from a shipboard accident in 1966 that cost him his leg. And it’s where doctors, who took a personal interest in Brashear’s resolve, fitted him with an artificial leg and designed an exercise program that allowed him to return to diving for the Navy. He was the first amputee in naval history to be restored to active duty.
Brashear’s son Phillip took emergency leave from his duties as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in Iraq to be with his father at the end.
“I would say he was a great educator,” Phillip Brashear said Tuesday. “Just by the way he lived his dreams he was an example, and maybe he changed some viewpoints for the better.”
Phillip said his father never thought of himself as a hero.
“He was a humble man,” he said. “He just thought that he did what he wanted to do and never let anyone stand in his way.”
Brashear had four children. The family had not finalized funeral arrangements Tuesday.
In 2000, actor Cuba Gooding Jr. portrayed Carl Brashear’s struggles onscreen in “Men of Honor.” “He is the strongest man I have ever met,” Gooding said. “He really was a pioneer, and his accomplishments continue to impact today’s sailors,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Kent Robarts, a master diver at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base.
Born in Kentucky in 1931, Brashear joined the Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. For years, he endured daily struggles with racism in a recently desegregated military to become the first black diver in Navy history in 1953. On March 23, 1966, the salvage ship Hoist was attempting to recover a nuclear bomb lost off the coast of Spain after a collision between two Air Force planes, according to news accounts. Brashear was aboard when a stern mooring line of a landing craft pulled a steel pipe out of the salvage ship’s deck. As the pipe flew across the deck Brashear pushed another sailor out of the way, but the pipe struck Brashear’s left leg.
Doctors at an Air Force hospital in Madrid attempted to save the leg, as did doctors in Germany. When he arrived at the Portsmouth hospital in May 1966, an infection had grown worse. Doctors gave Brashear the option of fixing the leg with pins and braces, which would take years.
According to a 1989 interview published by the U.S. Naval Institute, Brashear refused the treatment and asked instead that the leg be amputated. “I can’t be tied that long,” he is quoted as saying in the interview. “I’ve got to go back to diving. They just laughed. 'The fool’s crazy. He doesn’t have the chance of a snowball in hell of staying in the Navy. And a diver? No way! Impossible!’ ”
Rear Adm. Joseph L. Yon, then commandant of the Portsmouth facility, took a personal interest in Brashear and worked out an exercise program for him. Brashear, fitted with an artificial leg, had to walk up and down a flight of stairs with 114 pounds strapped on his back to simulate scuba tanks. Yon was impressed and recommended Brashear remain on active duty. Brashear first had to convince the Bureau of Medicine in Washington, which he did, diving every day for five days in simulated depths of more than 200 feet.
In spring 1967, he returned to active duty and became executive officer of the Navy’s diving school barge. He advanced to the rank of master chief petty officer and became the Navy’s first black master diver. He retired in 1979.
Brashear was awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Medal for heroism for shoving the sailor out of the way of the pipe aboard the Hoist – one of almost a dozen decorations and medals he received in his career.
Work began on the “Men of Honor” movie in 1998. Originally titled “Navy Diver,” it was heralded at the Toronto Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, and at the White House, where Brashear watched with President Clinton and his staff.
After his retirement, Brashear lived in Virginia Beach and became a pen pal to numerous amputees, some of whom would write or call him seeking solace.
His advice to them was simple: The limbless need not be listless .
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
PORTSMOUTH — Retired Master Chief Carl Maxie Brashear, the Navy’s first black deep sea diver, whose refusal to quit despite racism and grueling physical trauma inspired the movie “Men of Honor,” died Tuesday of heart and respiratory failure at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. He was 75.
It’s the same hospital where he recovered from a shipboard accident in 1966 that cost him his leg. And it’s where doctors, who took a personal interest in Brashear’s resolve, fitted him with an artificial leg and designed an exercise program that allowed him to return to diving for the Navy. He was the first amputee in naval history to be restored to active duty.
Brashear’s son Phillip took emergency leave from his duties as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in Iraq to be with his father at the end.
“I would say he was a great educator,” Phillip Brashear said Tuesday. “Just by the way he lived his dreams he was an example, and maybe he changed some viewpoints for the better.”
Phillip said his father never thought of himself as a hero.
“He was a humble man,” he said. “He just thought that he did what he wanted to do and never let anyone stand in his way.”
Brashear had four children. The family had not finalized funeral arrangements Tuesday.
In 2000, actor Cuba Gooding Jr. portrayed Carl Brashear’s struggles onscreen in “Men of Honor.” “He is the strongest man I have ever met,” Gooding said. “He really was a pioneer, and his accomplishments continue to impact today’s sailors,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Kent Robarts, a master diver at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base.
Born in Kentucky in 1931, Brashear joined the Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. For years, he endured daily struggles with racism in a recently desegregated military to become the first black diver in Navy history in 1953. On March 23, 1966, the salvage ship Hoist was attempting to recover a nuclear bomb lost off the coast of Spain after a collision between two Air Force planes, according to news accounts. Brashear was aboard when a stern mooring line of a landing craft pulled a steel pipe out of the salvage ship’s deck. As the pipe flew across the deck Brashear pushed another sailor out of the way, but the pipe struck Brashear’s left leg.
Doctors at an Air Force hospital in Madrid attempted to save the leg, as did doctors in Germany. When he arrived at the Portsmouth hospital in May 1966, an infection had grown worse. Doctors gave Brashear the option of fixing the leg with pins and braces, which would take years.
According to a 1989 interview published by the U.S. Naval Institute, Brashear refused the treatment and asked instead that the leg be amputated. “I can’t be tied that long,” he is quoted as saying in the interview. “I’ve got to go back to diving. They just laughed. 'The fool’s crazy. He doesn’t have the chance of a snowball in hell of staying in the Navy. And a diver? No way! Impossible!’ ”
Rear Adm. Joseph L. Yon, then commandant of the Portsmouth facility, took a personal interest in Brashear and worked out an exercise program for him. Brashear, fitted with an artificial leg, had to walk up and down a flight of stairs with 114 pounds strapped on his back to simulate scuba tanks. Yon was impressed and recommended Brashear remain on active duty. Brashear first had to convince the Bureau of Medicine in Washington, which he did, diving every day for five days in simulated depths of more than 200 feet.
In spring 1967, he returned to active duty and became executive officer of the Navy’s diving school barge. He advanced to the rank of master chief petty officer and became the Navy’s first black master diver. He retired in 1979.
Brashear was awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Medal for heroism for shoving the sailor out of the way of the pipe aboard the Hoist – one of almost a dozen decorations and medals he received in his career.
Work began on the “Men of Honor” movie in 1998. Originally titled “Navy Diver,” it was heralded at the Toronto Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, and at the White House, where Brashear watched with President Clinton and his staff.
After his retirement, Brashear lived in Virginia Beach and became a pen pal to numerous amputees, some of whom would write or call him seeking solace.
His advice to them was simple: The limbless need not be listless .
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
I am the Light of the world
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6)
Sunday, July 23rd. Today Chad, Alex and I visited a local church. Virginia Beach Beacon Baptist church (say that four times fast!) is located about 3.3 miles from our home. God blessed us with the gifts of our children and the awesome responsibility of parenthood. It is our desire to raise our children in the Lord, to build their lives on the Rock of Christ and upon a foundation of faith. Chad and Alex were very excited to attend worship services. Their faces beamed with glory and delight when they recognized the first song (they learned it during VBS this summer when we visited Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Gary in Alabama). My heart leaped with joy as I watched my sons worship our Heavenly Father in song and praise.
Chad was able to participate in children's church during the worship hour. Children's church is available for children ages 5 to 11. Alex attended a preschool class for children ages 3 to 4. His teachers commented on how sweet he is.
Three members of the church, Willie, Elizabeth, and Lori, stopped by on Tuesday evening, July 25th, to visit with us and invite us to worship again with them on Sunday morning. They came bearing gifts...homemade cinnamon bread and a lovely bookmark. The bookmark is inscribed with the word Dad, so Chad and Alex plan to mail it to daddy on the ship. The church also offered to mail daddy copies of the Sunday morning sermons so that Michael can listen to the message and we can "share" this time together, even oceans apart.
Please check out their website at http://www.vbbbc.org/
Sunday, July 23rd. Today Chad, Alex and I visited a local church. Virginia Beach Beacon Baptist church (say that four times fast!) is located about 3.3 miles from our home. God blessed us with the gifts of our children and the awesome responsibility of parenthood. It is our desire to raise our children in the Lord, to build their lives on the Rock of Christ and upon a foundation of faith. Chad and Alex were very excited to attend worship services. Their faces beamed with glory and delight when they recognized the first song (they learned it during VBS this summer when we visited Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Gary in Alabama). My heart leaped with joy as I watched my sons worship our Heavenly Father in song and praise.
Chad was able to participate in children's church during the worship hour. Children's church is available for children ages 5 to 11. Alex attended a preschool class for children ages 3 to 4. His teachers commented on how sweet he is.
Three members of the church, Willie, Elizabeth, and Lori, stopped by on Tuesday evening, July 25th, to visit with us and invite us to worship again with them on Sunday morning. They came bearing gifts...homemade cinnamon bread and a lovely bookmark. The bookmark is inscribed with the word Dad, so Chad and Alex plan to mail it to daddy on the ship. The church also offered to mail daddy copies of the Sunday morning sermons so that Michael can listen to the message and we can "share" this time together, even oceans apart.
Please check out their website at http://www.vbbbc.org/
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