Making some phone calls

Recently Micayla made a few phone calls. I was able to set up the camera on the table and catch a few conversations....

Calling Papa

Calling Nanny Shell

Calling Gracie

A Veteran........

I found this on Dan's computer awhile back when I was being nosy. When I asked him about it, he said that he had written it after he had gotten back to Iraq, and had meant to send it in to the Harley magazine, but for one reason or another, never did.
A year later, this note still brings tears to my eyes.

On June 30th, 2007, I met a fellow Harley Davidson owner who left a lasting impression on me. That day, I happened to be traveling through the Savannah airport, on my way to Atlanta, and eventually back to central Iraq after two weeks of R&R leave. As I waited for my flight with my wife and my one year old daughter, I found myself in a conversation with an older gentleman also waiting for a flight. We started out with some small talk about my daughter, new Army uniforms, and what kind of bikes we ride, but eventually the conversation turned to the war. “They sure are putting a lot on you guys, aren’t they?” he asked. “Yeah, I guess so, but the job has to get done,” I replied. We talked about how many times and how long I had been deployed and about friends of his that had sons in service. He never said he was a Vietnam Veteran – he didn’t have to. I knew it as soon as we started talking about the war and the military. It was obvious in his sincere concern for me, my family, and my Soldiers. It was crystal clear when he expressed his heartfelt thanks for our sacrifice. Then, as quickly as the conversation started, it was over. I looked up after chasing my rowdy little girl around our seats in the terminal and he was gone. He was gone before I could thank him for his own service, his own personal sacrifice, and for his steadfast support of those who currently serve. As I looked through the terminal I never saw him again.

What struck me most about the conversation was the sincerity of my unknown friend and brother in arms, and of so many of his generation. So many who did not have the same outpouring of support back home when they went to war on their nation’s behalf. So many who never received a welcome home, a standing ovation as they passed through the airport, or a free meal or drink from a grateful American. But the true mark of their character is shown by their commitment to those who currently serve. Nationwide in America’s airports, at our military posts, and in every hometown, thousands of Vietnam Veterans are working tirelessly to support the troops. They are the backbone of the hundreds of organizations that support those of us deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism every single day. These men and women have made it their personal crusade to ensure that my generation of veterans experience a homecoming much different from theirs.

So, from one generation of veterans to another – thank YOU for your sacrifice and your continued service. Your efforts then and now do not go un-noticed, but all too often go un-recognized. You are true heroes, patriots, and great Americans all. And to my fellow rider from that day in the Savannah Airport, ride safe, and thank you for teaching this young veteran a powerful lesson about selfless service. It is a lesson I will carry with me throughout my military service and beyond.

God bless America and our Vietnam Veterans.

Know anyone moving to Fayetteville, NC and wants to buy a condo?

Good! Becuase we have a great one that needs to sell!
ALL new carpeting, all new painting, new lineolum in kitchen ....

A picture of the outside. Condo is on the 3rd floor, exterior unit (= more square footage, higher ceilings, and no one walking on your head)
A picture of the exterior/interior front door (yes, that's a security system!)

Entryway/dining room pic
Picture of the dining room / entryway into kitchen

Picture (bad angle, sorry) of the zacuzzi tub in the master bath - complete with double sinks, stall shower and walk in closet....

Picture of back hallway leading to 3rd bedroom / 2nd bath....
Living room / balcony door
New lineoleum in kitchen

*835 - Congrats honey!!!!!

*835..... To most that may not mean anything. To my husband, that means he has been selected below the zone for Major! We were hoping and praying, but we didn't want to get too excited just in case...
But, the list came out last week and Dan's name was on it! And yesterday's Army Times has his name in black ink :) Yes, he has 834 people ahead of him to get promoted, but the good news is, by this time next year, he will already be promoted :)
I am SOOO proud of my husband, for all that he has sacrificed, for all that he has done, all of the late nights, early mornings and non-existent weekends. You deserve this babe! I can't wait to see what the future holds for you (and us) in your career!

Where have we been????

I keep trying to find 15 minutes to sit down and blog and catch you up on what we've been up to... But still, I can't find the time. Clinicals are non-stop, and I never have free time to do the fun things I'd like. Oh well, 9 more months! Yup, that's it until I'm finished.

Ugh. So here are a few photos to highlight the past couple of months....

Dan was off for 2 weeks of block leave. I still had clinicals so he and Micayla took a couple of trips...

1st they drove to Tennessee to visit family...

Micayla loved snuggling with Aunt Diana... Story time with Granny.....

Playing in the stream with Daddy.... Learning how to make Mamaw's biscuits....

Painting with Granny.... Feeding the cows biscuits with Daddy (in honor of Mommy)

Pulling up potatoes out of the garden with Mamaw...

Going for a tractor ride with Daddy.... Playing Play-Doe with Nanny Michelle and Aunt Kim

They came home for a few days....

Making Mommy feel better during a migraine and studying with Mommy....

Going to the waterpark on post with Mommy on a early day off from work....

And then they were off again. This time Dan and Micayla flew to Cape Cod for the annual Herlihy Family reunion... I was able to join them in the middle of the week for a few days....

Playing legos with Papa..... Going to play Putt-Putt for the first time (AKA Lets ride the putter like a horse)

1st ice cream cone unassisted..... The Herlihy Family... (missing a few)

A couple of family photos at the Cape

Miss 4th of July

Great Mommy-to-Be Present!!!

If you're looking for a unique and FANTASTIC gift for an expecting Mommy, please check out http://www.bebebracelet.com/. A really good friend of mine makes them, they are nursing bracelets that help you keep track of when the last time you fed your baby, and which side you need to start back up on. I have one that I used with Micayla and it definitely helped save my sanity, esp. at 2am!!!

Please welcome Georgia Olivia Day!!!

My sister Pam gave birth via c-section on Wednesday morning, May 21st, 2008 after being on complete bed rest for 15 weeks and a very complicated pregnancy. Georgia weighed 8 lbs 7oz and was 20" long. I personally think all the weight is in her cheeks, but my sister says there is an equal amount stored in her thighs.

One word to describe her, JUICY!!!

I'm hoping to fly home in a a couple of weeks to smother her with smooches :)

Congratulations sis, you're little angel is finally here!!!