Update From the East Coast

I do not have pictures to share yet but Jonathan, Erin and I are on the east coast visiting my family. We are having a great time so far seeing family that we have not seen in almost 2-1/2 years. All the nieces and nephews have definitely gotten bigger. My nephew, Christopher, has graduated from high school and is planning on going into the army in September. He has already joined on a delayed entry, He has been working out a lot and is no longer a skinny little kid. I also have gotten to meet my new nephew, Noah, for the first time. He is almost three months old. So, it has been fun and I will try to get some pictures on soon. So, look for updates.

Okay, I said I would post pictures of the McDonald's later so here they are.

TO TENNESSEE AND BACK AGAIN




On Wednesday of last week, Kristen, Dylan, Brooklyn and I left to drive them back to Tennessee. Yes, I did say drive. There was not an inch of car left to put anything anywhere. After eight months living with us, she had not only accumulated things for herself and Dylan, but she accumulated a baby and all the things that go with having a baby.

We headed out at about 8:30 in the morning. To keep Brooklyn occupied, Kristen would reach back and push the button on the barn where the cow is. The cow plays music and swings back and forth. It would get almost humorous as she did this over and over again. We drove about 750 miles on that first day. I think we rolled into the hotel parking lot at about 10:00 that night. Can you say tired? That was our longest day. The next day we decided to end early and we stayed at a Holiday Inn. Kristen and Dylan went swimming which was a nice change from the cramped car.

So, what do you do when you are really bored on a road trip? What else? Eat your toes. We knew it was time to stop and eat. LOL! So we stopped at a McDonald's. The pictures of this McDonald's are from Wyoming. This one had flat screen plasma TVs, lounge chairs, video games, and saddles for seats in the children's area. Oh did I mention the fireplace? (I can't seem to get the pictures on here so I will have to post them later.)

We arrived in Tennessee on Saturday evening around 5:00. So, we made our 2,300 mile trip in four days with a 19 month old and a 4 month old. It sure amazed me! I had a wonderful time traveling across the country. The views were spectacular. Well, Nebraska is pretty boring but most of the other areas were pretty. That is enough for now. I will write more later and share more pictures of my grandbabies.

A Tribute to My Dad

Where have all the years gone? It seems like just yesterday I graduated from high school. Next thing I know, you walked me down the aisle. Then came children and now I am a grandmother. The years have gone by so quickly and yet I am still your little girl.

You have taught me so much over the years. The most important things you have taught me are about our Christian walk. You are an example to me. Your love for our Lord Jesus is so evident in all you do. I thank you for giving me a Christian heritage in which to walk in. I also want to thank you for loving mom the way you do. That is one of your most precious gifts. You set an example that has carried on in your children's marriages.

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." (Solomon - Proverbs 20:7 NKJV) I am truly blessed.

"To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today." (Barbara Johnson) Thank you Dad, for continuing to be in my life even though the miles separate us. You have made efforts that mean so much to me and make those miles seem closer.

Happy Father's Day!

Spc. Taylor A. Bradley

As Memorial Day approaches, I want to take time to thank our son-in-law, Taylor, for his service in the United States Army. Taylor, you have given up so much to give us our freedoms. So many people take their freedoms for granted, but I see first hand the things you give up to serve your country for us. We have done our best to take care of your loved ones as you take care of us. We have had the privilege of having Kristen and the kids here for the last eight months. Thinking about them leaving and going back to Tennessee is bitter sweet. It means we will not see them every day but it also means that you will be home from Iraq soon. We will dearly miss them but I know that Kristen will send pictures and the web cam is such a great tool that keeps us close. We are so proud of you and we thank the Lord for all He is doing in your life. You are not the same man that married our daughter, you are a better man. You have become a man longing to do God's will and to raise his family for the Lord. That is so much greater a service to us than even your job in serving your country. We are proud of you and we love you and miss you. May God keep you safe during the rest of your time in Iraq and may He bring you home safely.

How We Recall

by ©2004 Roger J. Robicheau

(Sp 5, US Army)

How we recall that day we swore

To serve our country to the core

That clothing issued brought a view

Of raw recruits, this showed so true

Remembered hair was cut away

This look for quite awhile would stay

Our trek before too long did show

New GI’s marching, row by row

And then one day emerged a form

Each proud trained troop in uniform

We followed orders as we should

To do our best, in pride we would

Some served in peace, some went to war

Brave heroes passed through Heaven’s door

We cherished friends who served with us

Great buddies all, how we’d discuss

So many thoughts will never wane

For what we shared, let closeness reign

Our bond was tight, the best to see

For when we served, this had to be

The purpose was to keep you free

God Bless the brave, deservedly