Happy Memorial Day!

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

May we never forget how much freedom costs!

The Heros In Our Lives!

Corporal Charles McNeilly

Served: 1952-1955

Grandpa/Dad may not have died in the service and may not even had a big part in the freedom of our country, but he died a hero in our lives.

He taught each of us so many invaluable lessons and is truly missed. He was always there when any of us needed him and was willing to drop anything to help. He wasn't just a grandfather and dad but a true and irreplaceable friend.

A HERO!

Andrew Wayne Smith

April 21, 2001 - December 4, 2010

Another Hero!

Though he may not have been in the service or even fought to keep our freedom, he fought a strong battle!

He impacted so many lives and has such a great testimony in our community. He went through so much and fought many physical battles and yet always had a smile or chuckle.

Many dart gun wars, many trips to the Community Music School, many softball games, many trips to the hospital, so many fun times. He is always missed!

A TRUE HERO!

The Mother-Daughter Banquet

The theme this year was a garden. It turned out very beautiful.

Our speaker this year was "Aunt" Lynn Burtt. She brought 6 of her 12 daughters. She did a great job and was a great blessing.

The Joushuas from Ann Arbor were also able to come too. We all had a great time.

We had dirt running down the middle of the table with seed packets. Good thing the Health Department didn't come. :)

The little girls were allowed to plant some flowers in a pot and take them home. They loved it.

Tiger's Game

We had a college and career activity on Tuesday and went to a Tiger's game. The tickets were given to us by the Navy Recruiter in our church. They ended up losing but it was still fun.

The guys very relaxed, enjoying the game.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!! We Love You!

Thank you so much for all you do!

There are times when only a mother's love

Can understand our tears,

Can soothe our disappoints

And calm all our fears.

There are times when only a mother's love

Can share the joy we feel

When something we've dreamed about

Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a mother's faith

Can help us on life's way

And inspire us in the confidence

We need from day to day.

There are times when only a mother's faith

And a mother's steadfast love

Were fashioned by angels

And sent from God above.

~Unknown

Jon Snyder Primary Election

David and I drove to Indiana Monday to Tuesday to help Jon Snyder in his campaign for Assessor. We spent Tuesday at a polling place from 7am to 6pm. I could be satisfied to never see that place again. :) We were so glad to help and he won by 800 votes!
We had the biggest and closest sign!
I was very sun burnt and it was only 11:00. I stood in the shade for the rest of the day in pain :) It is now a very nice tan though!

Cleaning up the Family Farm

Our crazy family. We are supposed to look like that picture of the old man and woman with a pitch fork! :) Not quite huh?

This picture should make you laugh if you know anything about my dad! Mega speedway points here!

My cousin and I found these old "lawn mowers" and were having races. They worked pretty good so we brought one home for David to use! :)
Dad was being an obedient brother and got the lightning rods down for his sisters. He later got in trouble by his mom for taking them down.

Tanith

We miss our little girl so much! We will be getting her for a few weeks in June. We are all so excited. She is already three years old going on 6. :)