Saoirse

The last of the packages are going out today. WOOHOO!! I love sending Christmas packages to the Troops!! Stockings, candy canes, toys. A Friend at work made fudge!! That was a special treat I sent to a few female soldiers. No offense guys, but I thought they would savor it a bit more. LOL!!

This really makes Christmas super special!!

Merry Christmas!!

Well, it has been such a year!! It was last november that I signed up with Soldiers Angels.

It is an honor and a privilage to support our Armed Forces. We have had two adopteds return home, numerous unofficals come home. We have had the honor of receiving letters and pictures from the front lines. Been accepted into the lives of these brave Men and Woman supporting us and protecting us!!

We were able to participate in;
Cookie drops {the humvees are ready and the helicopter on standby}, sleepovers, roadtrips, and covert missions.

I was also able to attend the funerals of Our Fallen Heroes through The Patriot Guard Riders. It is truly an honor to stand in the Flag line. To respectfully honor these Brave Men and Woman who "gave all." I will never forget it. They and there families will always have a special place in my heart.

I would like to Thank personally;

Patti whose fearless leadership, grace and dignity is an inspiration to all Angels.

Renee; without you there would never be the infamous term "cookie drop." Missions are completed!! Thanks you for your friendship and understanding at difficult times.

Glenda; Whose kind words and get up and go, are an inspiration to keep doing things and trying. Her support of the Troops and Angels neverending!! Thank You!!!

I have had the true honor of meeting an incredible couple. Georgette and Roy Frank. Founders of "The Heart of a Marine Foundation." What an amazing couple!! They inspire me to keep supporting, they taught me so much!! There Son Phil a True Hero!! God Bless them both!!!

I feel as though I don't do enough. There is so much that can be done. Yet, this past year has truly been an experience I will never forget!!!

God Bless Our Armed Forces!!!

The big game is today!!! WOOHOO!!! Army versus Navy!!!

Am I torn? My Dad served in the Navy and my Son is at Army Basic Training.

Go ARMY!!!

Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061130/ap_on_go_co/democrats_obama_15

I should never be appalled at the grown-ups inability to get along. I should never be amazed that Christians attempt to shun people. That seems to be the "Christian Way." If someone doesn't agree with my version or interpretation of the bible then forget it, why waste my time? As if spending time with any human being is a waste of time.

An aside; It always apalls me when I hear the adage; "Is this person minute worthy?" Aren't we all?

Recently at work a friend I have known for over 6 years has finally decided to take the big step. A complete sex-change. He has been pondering it for quite some time. He is actually kind of famous in the world of female impersonators and has been on Tyra. One would never know that beneath the makeup is a man.

From the Christian standpoint--- my own. I was appalled. I love this person dearly and often compare his confusion to my own. Yet, my first instinct was to turn away. Don't talk to her and mind my own business. I believe God does not make mistakes. That each person is perfect in his or her own way. So for me this is a bit difficult. It is confusing. It leads to many questions. God is it true? It reads silly I know, but really. Can sex changes be another form of spiritual progression? One Lady at work said; "I have spent years looking for myself and still haven't found me, still have trouble accepting myself. Good for you! You found yourself and can accept yourself!"

Which leads to the question, is "my whole being" how I look? Considering the confusion on this planet about acceptable looks and beauty versus real beauty, that could take years to figure out. My Christian belief is that all people are beautifull.

What that Lady said is true though, woman can't accept themselves, inside and outside. Can't "find" ourselves. Lets look at the amounts of plastic surgery being done on perfectly fine people. Lets look at the millions of dollars going towards therapy. Then turn around and say He is wrong? This is also the time in their lives that people shun them. My friends family has completely walked away. His mother and only supporter died this past year. This is the time when many of them commit suicide.

Hate the sin, Love the sinner.

Through the confusion I see this kind and wonderfull person. That I have known for years, and like. In the past few weeks it does seem as though she is coming into herself. She is more relaxed, she has a glow about her. Strange though it may read. She has an inner glow of a person who knows what they want and are comfortable with themselves.

The whole situation makes me take a look at myself. What don't I accept in myself, in what ways am I uncomfortable? Why am I so uncomfortable with this topic? Why is it, my first instinct is to push them away? Whenever confronted with something I am uncomfortable with, the first instinct is to push them away. Even our own children. When we are uncomfortable with something we push them away.

Then the all important question; What does this have to do with Christ?

I believe that we meet people for reasons, that people are in our lives for a reason. Whether it is the mailman or someone I work in the same office with. Sometimes we don't even know what that reason is. To shun anyone is harmfull to myself. Because we are all on our seperate paths, and can often learn from each other. Because usually when something sticks with me, or gives me pause for thought there is something about it I need to ponder. How can we bridge any gap if we refuse to hear the so called "other side." Why would someone want to do that? Then actually listen to the answer. Sometimes in listening we are so caught up in what we think, that we can't even begin to comprehend what is being said. Why ask the question if I have no real interest in the answer, in another persons perspective or lifes learning. Who is truly right and who is truly wrong? Christ is the only right one. What does Christ tell me to do? What has He shown us to do?

How can we become the great "one." If I turn my back on anyone. I don't have to agree and I tell her; "Being Christian I am not sure, because I don't think God makes mistakes." But I love her and I am here for her. God is with You. God is!! God is with each of us. I think because people have such a hard time, myself included, believing God is with me it is easy to believe God has left others. Then there is the all consuming ego, that needs the pedestal to make me feel better about myself. Because you know I shouldn't feel too good about myself unless I have someone to compare myself with and find them lacking. They are wrong I am right. Game, set, and match!!! Whenever I feel the need to shun someone or turn away, I need to ponder the; Why?

Because that usually means there is something about myself I need to learn.

God Bless~~

Link: http://www.we-do-care.org/

2006 Family Festival!! September 9!!

Come join us to celebrate our freedom, our way of life and the goodness of America. Our third annual festival is being held rain or shine just two days before the 5th year anniversary of the 9-11 terrorists attacks.

This family oriented festival is guaranteed to touch both heart and mind. The day will feature music, family and children's activities, food, beer garden, special guests, and will provide the opportunity to let deployed service men and women know that they are being supported back home.

Event Schedule

Noon - 12:15 Opening Ceremony & Memorial Service
A solemn memorial for the fallen will be held at the beginning of the Freedom Festival with a dignified wreath laying ceremony and gun salute to honor those who have given the last full measure of devotion. Barrington's Maria Graft will inspire with her heart, soul, and singing and Steve Foster from Bugles Across America will play Taps in memory of the fallen.

12:15 - 2:00 - Spirit of the USO Band
The entire family will love The Spirit of the USO Band - the musical ambassador of the USO of Illinois. This group of Chicago-based musicians and entertainers presents material that embodies the ideals of the USO - respect, courage, and compassion.

2:00 - 6:00 Children's Activities: Climbing wall, moonwalk, face painting, create cards for troops, & family entertainment from the stage.

2:00 - 3:00 Navy Band Great Lakes: As the Navy's "Ambassadors to the Midwest," Navy Band Great Lakes performs for hundreds of thousands of people every year.

2:30 - 3:00 Freedom Walk: Everyone is encouraged to join and children are being asked to lead the Freedom Walk while they carry a United States flag that has flown in Afghanistan with troops fighting the war on terrorism. The walk will conclude at the main stage of the Family Freedom Festival with the flag being raised. Free t-shirts for the first 100 children! More

3:15 - 3:30 9-11 Pentagon Survivor Ryan Yantis: Yantis was in the Pentagon assigned to the Army Staff during the 9-11 Attack and was decorated for valor. He facilitated hundreds of interviews with Army survivors, family members and leaders leading up to the first anniversary. His efforts contributed to the Army winning the Silver Anvil, the Public Relations Society of America’s premier award for communications excellence. He retired from the U.S. Army in May 2006 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

4:00 - 4:45 Bataille Academie of the Danse:
Bataille Academie of the Danse will be perfoming a variety of dances including tap and jazz numbers. The 60+ dancers have a special Patriotic Finale honoring our young men and women in the armed forces.

4:45 - 5:00 Sgt. Allison Kitzerow:
22-year old Sgt. Allison Kitzerow, Iraq veteran (MP) US Army Reserves will share her story of being deployed as a 19 year old and share her views on the importance of supporting and thanking our troops. You do not want to miss this very special young lady.

5:00 - 5:15 3 Star General Victor E. Renuart Jr., US Air Force:
General Renuart is the director for Strategic Plans and Policy for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. His duties include providing strategic direction, policy guidance, and planning focus to develop and execute the National Military Strategy, which enables the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide the best military advice to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. He is also a command pilot with extensive flying, combat experience.

5:15 - 7:00 - Jasper - A talented local band comprised of Barrington High School seniors and grads who play a wide variety of musical stylings including funk, fusion, Latin, jazz, trance and rock.

7:30 - 10:00 - Joe Cantafio & the 101st Rock Division - On the eve of their world tour the 101st Rock Division will rock the festival as they have for American and Coalition troops in Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Africa, Bahrain, and on the steps of Saddam Hussein's Baghdad palace.

CARE VILLAGE - Open Noon to 6:00
Our festival will allow the people of Northern Illinois to meet face to face with caring people and caring organizations – so that individually we can find the right opportunity to give, support and thanks to activie duty men and women, military families, and veterans.

Come out to Barrington Illinois and Support the Troops!!

Not alot of info yet on this one. September 9th at Soldiers Field the Patriot Guard Riders will be honored. Will updates as soon as more info is given out.

3 SEP 06 – Fundraiser for The Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund
Date: Sunday September 3, 2006
Time: 10:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Brian's Charhouse, 27W371 North Ave (IL-64),
West Chicago

Registration: 10:00am Coffee & donuts served
First out: 11:00 Last Out: 12:30
Back at: 2:00pm

Food, beer, games, raffles, prizes, live music

Donation: $30/person to receive wristband

Bike Show: $15 add'l entry

In Honor of Lcpl Philip J. Martini, KIA in Iraq 4/8/06
Info: 630-876-2000

Its easy! Submit your name and state, and this company; Xerox- Lets Say Thanks! Will send a postcard to a Soldier!!

God Bless Our Armed Forces!!

I was watching CMT Awards show, and caught Brooks and Dunn. What a beautifull song!!! Luckily the video is available through my cable company. The first time I watched it, I actually cried. It reminded me so, of the mission I go on with the PGR. Now, when I think of the song, I believe the hope it springs in people. We will see our loved ones again....

Brooks And Dunn
Album: Hillbilly Deluxe

Believe

Old man Wrigley lived in that white house
Down the street where i grew up
Momma used to send me over with things
We struck a freindship up
I spent a few long summers out on his old porch swing

Says he was in the war when in the navy
Lost his wife, lost his baby
Broke down and asked him one time
How ya keep from going crazy
He said I'll see my wife and son in just a little while
I asked him what he meant
He looked at me and smiled, said

(Chorus)
I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see
Oh i believe

Few years later i was off at college
Talkin' to mom on the phone one night
Getting all caught up on the gossip
The ins and outs of the small town life
She said oh by the way son, old man Wrigley's died.

Later on that night, i laid there thinkin' back
Thought 'bout a couple long-lost summers
I didn't know whether to cry or laugh
If there was ever anybody desevred a ticket to the other side
It'd be that sweet old man who looked me in the eye, said

(Chorus)
I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see

I can't quote the book
The chapter or the verse
You can't tell me it all ends
In a slow ride in a hearse
You know I'm more and more convinced
The longer that i live
Yeah, this can't be
No, this can't be
No, this can't be all there is

(Chorus)
When I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see
I believe
Oh, I
I believe
I believe
I believe
I believe
I believe"

God Bless~~

Toby Keith Covel born July 8, 1961 in Clinton Oklahoma. I must admit, I have always been a fan, but had no idea the lengths Toby goes to in support of our Armed Forces. He has a strong voice and uses it intelligently. He is Patriotic too the core!!!

The week after Memorial Day my Chaplains Assistant sent me the pic below {for some reason the pic won't take, I will try to fix it and post it later} of his most recent tour over in Iraq. His fourth USO tour!! I love the smiles, and boy they had an excellent time!!! I told her I was jealous!!! *laughs*

Not really thinking I would get a response I wrote to Him, asking if He would like to donate something for Chaplains Baggies. Promptly I received autographed photos. My daughter was impressed!! Signed in marker they were, not those copied ones. These made a wonderfull addition to the "female" baggies I made up and sent over. It is heartwarming this man takes the time, and uses his energy in support of our Armed Forces!!! Answers the request of an Angel in need. He does so much already!!

Toby will begin His "HOOK UP & HANG OUT" Tour AUG. 11. Check out His website they are giving away chances to be onstage with Toby or go to a Meet and Greet.

His latest CD "White Trash With Money" is an excellent add to any CD collection!!!

Sept. 8 The CMT Original Movie; Broken Bridges will be out in Theaters. Check that out as well!!

He also is involved with "Ally's House."
Ally’s House has been established to help Oklahoma kids with cancer and their families.

Lets Support the Man Who Supports Our Armed Forces!!
WOOHOO!!!

THANK YOU TOBY KEITH!!!