Our Thanksgiving Weekend

I know that doing a blog without pictures is not the "right" thing to do and to be honest, I don't even think I had my camera out after Thursday morning around 10:30 so that makes me horrible!!! So I guess you will have to put up with my "wordy" descriptions of the weekend!!
Thursday morning, Dave got up early to go play racquetball so the girls and I got up and made homemade doughnuts which was a blast. We took a whole tray up to the courts and they promptly disappeared!! I think I may have to do that again sometime real soon and I am sure that more than one person would agree with me!! The funny thing is that the girls wanted me to make a glaze and so a little of this and that 3 ingredients later, we had a "delicious" glaze or so it was proclaimed by my daughters! I proceeded to cook our Thanksgiving dinner which broke tradition somewhat in that we had ham and not turkey!! The menu was: ham, mashed potatoes, noodles, corn casserole, California Blend Vegetables, cheese sauce, Stove Top stuffing, rolls and pumpkin pie. Now for me to cook that was quite a feat but I must pat myself on the back and say "good job"!! We pretty much did nothing else the rest of the day and that was kind of nice!
Friday, Dave got up to play r-ball again and I started in on the house. It needed a good cleaning and so that is what it got. Of course, it helped me along knowing that I had company coming over that evening! Once the house was cleaned, I started cooking AGAIN but this time it was just appetizer - snack stuff. We had a family over who happens to have son who is 18 and so the rest should be pretty much self-explanatory if you remember that Carrie is also 18. I have to break into this story to tell you that about 5 minutes after the Kline family arrived, David called. I told him we had company but he wanted me to put him on the speaker phone anyway so I did. He had quite a time teasing his sister and I am not sure who turned the most red, Carrie or Josh!! It was absolutely hilarious!!!!! Anyway, we had a wonderful time with the family!! They are really sweet and have wonderful children!! (Please make sure to tell them I said that, Josh!!)
Saturday, after r-ball again.... Dave and I went shopping and had a nice time just the two of us. I finished up the laundry and made sure the house was cleaned up and that was it.
Sunday was a good day and I was so thankful for the messages I heard that day!!
So the latest news about David is as follows: He left on Saturday morning (their time) for a 45 day "trip" and so we probably won't hear from him until after the first of the year. I must admit that it really bothered me and it probably ruined my Holiday which of course, ruined the holiday for my family. I am still working on how to handle the different emotions that I have on this journey! I know that time will pass but not hearing from him on Christmas is a bit of a bummer. If you think about it, pray for our family and Christa during these next few weeks! And - hug your kids again!! They will be "all growed up" before you know it!!

A Milestone (of sorts!)

I am doing this blog today since I know there will be no time tomorrow or the next! This is mainly another one of those "therapy" blogs so read on at your own risk!!!
A year ago this week, David graduated from boot camp and became a full-fledged Marine! I really can't believe that it has been a year already! In a way, it seems like it has been forever but in another way, it seems like it just happened yesterday. The emotions have been from one end of the spectrum to the other in this past year. I have to admit that I am as proud as can be of what he has become! While I am a typical Mom and find myself worrying about him daily, I have to admit that God knew exactly what He was doing!! I know - I don't always act like I know that, huh??
Watching David at the Boot Camp Graduation was a highlight! I can never hear the Marine Hymn or the Star Spangled Banner the same way ever again. It was unbelievable to see the changes in him! He not only was a LOT skinnier - he was a MAN! A Marine Man - and that makes all the difference in the world!!
I had to give myself a good talking to today over the reactions I had to some news I received yesterday regarding him. Someone made a statement to me yesterday that at first bothered me but then I realized how truthful it was. If it were not for people like David who choose to fight for our freedom, we may not be able to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas like we are used to.
Changes happen in life. Kids grow up and move on! Life changes! We may not always like it but it happens. The bottom line is that God never changes and that I can rest in. This is really probably the beginning of a lot of changes in our lives but I am so thankful for the husband and children that I have!! I never want to take that for granted!!
So - when you celebrate the Holidays this year, take the time to be thankful for the freedom you have to celebrate them in the way you do!!

Another Wacky Weekend - But a GOOD One!!

Okay - so this weekend was good for everyone stayed healthy and there were no trips to the ER!! YEA!!!!!
First of all, I have been severely reprimanded by one young Ashley for not mentioning her in the previous blogs. I mean - she hasn't been sick, hasn't gone to the ER but she is very stressed and how dare I not mention her??????? (Love you, Ashley) Seriously, this girl has been running herself ragged with school, working, play practice and lots of other stuff and is actually handling it all pretty well!!! There - ya happy now, girl????
I went home Friday night to be greeted with "Can we please go shopping?" You see - the college was having a Thanksgiving Banquet on Saturday night and Carrie had been asked to go with a "friend" and Ashley was going with a group. So off we went to Ross where we found a dress for Carrie for less than $20 and then to JcPenny's where we found Ashley's for about double that but hey, we found them and that is what matters!!
Saturday morning started off with a phone call from David which was positively hilarious but I will leave the details in our family!! I will tell you that it was GREAT to hear from him and he is doing well!! Carrie went to clean, Ashley went to work and I started in on my house and laundry. I don't know if anyone else is like me or not but I despise doing a bunch of work around my house and not having anything to really show for it. You know how you have this whole list of things to do but they aren't obvious?!?! That was what I did most of the day!
Then the "hair salon" opened in our house in order to make pretty curls to go along with the pretty dresses!! By the time 5:20 rolled around, I was exhausted. Anyway, By 5:45, my two beautiful daughters were out the door and we left shortly thereafter for a nice date to Carrabbas!! They came home long enough to change shoes and head off to walk around City Place for awhile. I of course had to wait up to hear all the "details" of the evening!! The joys of being mom to two teenage daughters!! I am including some pictures so here goes!!!

This is Carrie and her friend Josh!

And one final thought - my husband made my girls day when in the midst of the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the banquet, he walked in the door with this -

They absolutely love this comic and will read it by the hour!!! They were so excited!!

The Rest of the Story!!

So I was reminded of the things that I did not finish telling you!! (Thanks LaDonna!)
The outcome of my mom's visit to the hospital was that her heart is fine and other than high cholesterol - they aren't too sure what the problem is. But - she is with my sister who is a nurse and so she will be fine. They did a stress test on Monday but the results of that were fine also.

Then there were the Christmas ideas that David had. First of all he wanted me to send him his fiancee and his family - in that order, by the way!! Man - where do I rate???? This momma ain't the number one woman in my son's life any more!!! BooHoo!!!!!! (Just joking, Christa!) He wants lots and lots of pictures and then he wants cd's so he can send us some pictures. Cool, huh?? The only other thing that he really, really can use is AT&T Global Phone Cards. I bought him one online and he keeps adding some minutes to it but it is a great Christmas gift!! There are some things that I am getting him that I am keeping a secret!!!! I will have to tell you about them much later. I am also looking for funny, novelty type gifts to buy and send him so if you have any ideas, you can pass them along.

Carrie has moved from the huge walking cast to a smaller cast and has to start therapy. She isn't too thrilled but I am sure she will survive! It makes dressing up a little interesting!! One high heel and one walking cast makes an interesting combination!!!

So I think that everyone is making progress in my house and believe it or not, (LaDonna - please share this with Joe) I am making plans for putting the Tree up soon!! I am hoping to do one outside also for the Military!! Can't wait!!

The Blog Lives Up to It's Name

Wow!! I really knew what I was doing when I picked that name for my blog!! This past weekend was a prime example!
So - Friday I left work and went to Wal-Mart for some things for David's box for it was our turn to send one off. Then I stopped to get Carrie from work. While waiting for her to come out to the car, my cell phone rang and it was my sister. She was calling to tell me that my mom had been admitted to the hospital with chest pains and they were keeping her overnight for observation and were running some tests. Then Carrie arrived at the car complaining quite a bit about pain in her left ear. We made it home in time for Ashley to run out the door for the school's family fun night and then she was babysitting for a friend. Since we don't like to go to bed unless the kids are all home and tucked safely in their beds, I decided to wait up on Ashley to get home since the "flu bug" had gotten ahold of Dave. In my dozing off and on in the living room, I realized that Carrie was sitting in my recliner in serious pain. She was so miserable so at about midnight, we headed off to the ER - again!! The long story short on that trip is that she has developed what is known as "swimmers ear" and her ear canal was almost swollen shut so no wonder she was in so much pain. They gave her a pain shot that literally lasted about 48 hours!! I mean - she was in la-la land for that long!!!! Anyway, we arrived back home at about 4 and I managed a couple of hours of sleep. Oh yes, that was in between waking Dave up to get him to "breathe" properly!!! Saturday was spent doing laundry in hopes of killing germs, handing out medicines in order to get everyone back to normal (if there is such a thing), trying to clean, going to Wal-Mart for groceries, prescriptions, stuff for the science fair (which I HATE by the way) and numerous other things. Another long night was on the agenda for Saturday night! I got up with the intentions of going to church but a crusted-over ear and a broken thermometer to try to check two very warm individuals temperatures sent me instead to CVS for a syringe and thermometer! A quick phone call from David in the afternoon helped to cheer everyone up a bit. As a side note, he was actually able to watch some of the service on Sunday morning so he called the church to say thank you for the small portion that was about Veterans Day.
Anyway, I think the ear is finally getting better. At least she can't use the excuse that she can't hear me when I tell her something!!! The flu bug still has a good hold on Dave but you can't keep a good man down!! Ashley is still bright and cheerful which I am very thankful for!!!
David called me yesterday and I was able to talk to him for quite awhile! That was pretty neat and now I have more ideas for the Christmas box or should I say boxes!!!! He is still doing well and he said that he is definitely staying closer to Jesus now more than ever!! Sounds funny yet he was serious!!
So - the Fulton Family Funny Farm is quite a mess but like anything else, we will survive. I am just praying that the Mom doesn't get sick. Otherwise, my favorite office mate will strangle me!!!!!

Just Stuff

So - no pictures today but just a "serious" blog.
Yesterday I was reading in my devotion and something really stood out to me. It's funny that its the really simple things that seem to hit us right between the eyes. We have heard for so long about the Promises of God that we find in His Word. It's "common knowledge" what we are supposed to do with them, right? But - do we? Most of us would have to admit that we don't take full advantage of HIS promises until we really "need" them. I mean we usually wait until there is some "crisis" in our lives, whether it be minor or major, before we start to quote the Scriptures and LEAN hard on HIS promises. Unless of course you all are much better at this than I am.
I have been through some difficult spots in my life, losing my dad, my husband having cancer, making hard decisions, teenager challenges and there have been the usual normal struggles of every day life and I have put some of HIS promises to the test. Recently, besides David being a Marine, there have been some real challenges in my life that I have had some serious struggles dealing with. I have gotten to the place where the things that people say just go in one ear and back out the other and to be frank, that kinda started making its way into my walk with God. Did HE really mean HIS promises or were they just words? I know - sounds terrible of me for asking such a thing doesn't it?
Then I read this statement. "Take the promise that suits your need, and step out on it, not touching it timidly on tiptoe, but placing your foot flat down upon it." That has stuck with me for awhile now. For the most part, I have been somewhat timid in my belief of His promises. Quite the admission, huh? As I sit here and read over what I have typed, the image comes to mind of what I have done in the past when a spider went crawling across my floor. For some reason I could never bring myself to just carefully and barely step on it to get rid of it. No - not me....I tromped on that thing!!! I wonder why I am not shy or backward at hardly anything in my life except this.....believing whole-heartedly in the ONE person that will NEVER let me down? I guess I have something else to work on in my life! Taking His promises for what they are worth - EVERYTHING!!!!

Picture Time!!

This is the group that met for breakfast. Justin is first, then Jason who is 12, then Gram, then Robin whose son Randy is a Marine, then Johnny, then Eileen ( mom to Jason, Johnny, Michelle - who is taking the picture - and Kimber who was unable to attend), then me and Carrie.

Gram, Johnny and Justin with Carrie!!! Trust me - there is more than one person that I would like to show this picture to and they just about decided to show up as "dates" for Carrie at the Costume Party to "make an impression" on people!!

This is Ashley, Christi (Carrie's friend in college) and Carrie all dressed up for the Costume Party. Ashley is the Princess of Camelot, Christi is a butterfly (?), and Carrie is Lady Gwendolyn from King Arthur's Court!! They had a great time!!

This is Ashley and her friend Gideon who was a 40's Mob Man!! A little earlier I had given Gideon a haircut but I refuse to post pictures of that!!!!

Catch up!

It's Sunday afternoon, the windows are open, the breeze is blowing, the girls are sleeping, Dave is in Summerfield and I decided that I had better update my blog. I simply don't like it when I check some blogs time after time and there is nothing new there and look what I have done!! I haven't changed mine in quite awhile!! So maybe I should try to give an update!
Let's see - heard from David this past Wednesday and he is doing well. Well - as good as he can for being where he is!! He hasn't lost his sense of humor so far!! He told his dad that he had a coffee pot and coffee but no filters so they had tried to use toilet paper which obviously didn't work!! Now that just cracked me up!! Anyway, he is thoroughly enjoying our boxes and we are thinking of different things to send him so they don't become boring! I told him I was going to send him a container of sand for I was SURE he was missing that!! NOT!!!!! It was so nice to hear from him and he seems to be doing well!!
Speaking of David, Christa has a comical picture of herself trying to fit in a box to be mailed to David. Maybe I should try to find the picture of her zipped into a suitcase!!! Now THAT was funny!! She really needs to come see this other family of hers real soon!!
Carrie is still hobbling around with her "boot" on. (Some people need to be careful how they say that word but I won't tattle!!) Anyway, she starts a job tomorrow at a local daycare and she is really excited about that!! I am excited too for now she can pay some of her own bills!!!!!!
Ashley is running herself ragged trying to keep up with everything going on in her life!! Just ask her bedroom floor which is currently buried underneath a mile high pile of teenage girl paraphernalia!!!!!! Look out at Thanksgiving time as she will be taking her drivers test!!
Dave is stretched to the limit with more than one thing in his life!! He still finds time for me and his family and that speaks a WHOLE lot louder than words!! He is preaching in Summerfield this weekend and will be getting home late tonight!
As for me, wow - where do I start?? I did the neatest thing yesterday!! I have talked before about a forum I belong to for Marine Moms and Wives and Girlfriends and such. Well, yesterday I drove up to Vero Beach and met s couple of them for breakfast!! I was surprised to see 3 Marines with the Moms, two of which joined the Corp with David!! It was so much fun and so nice to get to talk to them and spend some time with them. It is interesting - I felt like I had known them forever but had actually never talked to them in person before!! There was a "family" spirit there that actually surprised me!! To be frank, I felt more comfortable with them than I do a lot of other people that I have known for years. It's just nice to talk with people that KNOW how I feel about David. Carrie went along with me and if I post that picture of her and those 3 Marines, you all would croak!! Carrie and I shopped at the outlet mall for a little while and then headed home to get Carrie and Ashley ready for the Costume Party the College had last night!! They looked nice as Lady Guinevere and the Princess of Camelot! They had a great time!!
So - that's about it!! If I get the time I will post some pictures in the next day or two so you can see my Marine Mom Friends and some of the girls in their costumes!! We'll see how it goes!!!