The Election is Over....

The election has come and it has gone...we now have a new president elect. This is monumental in so many ways....so exciting in so many ways...and so frightening...you guessed it...in so many ways. The election did not go as we had hoped...but we are right with its outcome. We only pray that our president elect is the RIGHT president for US. Time will only tell...

I have SO many exciting things happening, that I don't know where to start. I guess first, we have to talk about my daughter. She is a lovely girl...she was married last January-on the coldest day of the entire winter...we had a high of about 5 above that day...brrrrrrrrrrrrr....yes it was so cold....then in March...her new hubby left for basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas. It was so hard on them...he was gone so long...and such newly weds....but they weathered through it. Their condo sold two months before he returned from training...so our daughter and their child...his name is Gizmo...moved back home with us. We had to do some MAJOR rearranging...but it was well worth it. We had a marvelous two months with our daughter that we might not have had otherwise.

September was such a whirlwind. Mike graduated from his training...and returned home. We had a picnic for him....with about 75 in attendance...then the next weekend they moved to their first duty assignment....in South Carolina. Our daughter scrimped and saved while Mike was gone...so they would have enough in savings to carry them through till she found a job. She was pretty scared...was hearing it would take 6 months or more to find a job...but today she found one...after only 4 weeks and three interviews! Way to go! It will be a drive for her...but at least she won't have snow and ice to worry with....

In July my husband and I purchased a motorhome. Now, most people would think we were totally senseless in doing this...with gas prices so high, etc. But we did this so we could take our business on the road. Our plan is to set up at street fairs, car shows, and of course military bases in about 100 mile radius of Kansas City. We have been modifing it and almost are ready to roll! Now we just mainly have the cosmetic stuff to do...paint...curtains, graphics on the outside...that sort of thing. The main constructing of the interior space is almost complete. If you are close to Kansas City and would like for us to set up at your event....send us an email...describing your event...we will see if we can make it happen!

The other major change is a complete-fresh-new website for our business...www.dyesubprints.com . We are excited as our vision has been for more than 3 years-to have an online designer-and to be able to act as a fulfillment center-helping budding artists get a start....like cafe press or zazzle. With this new website-we are now ready to offer these services! All packaged in one! Can't wait for you to visit!

Our son and his new family are doing well. The kids are adapting to their new school. How many changes they must be going through....even though the school is on post...it has to be different from what they are used to....but children adapt. I know Derek said the young girl-about age 9-had made lots of new friends and was even having a Halloween party!

My son has been suffering from headaches and back pain since leaving Iraq. It has been discovered that he has 2 bulging discs...but thankfully NO traumatic brain injury. We are waiting to hear what the plan of action is for him.

With all these changes....and the holidays quickly approaching...I have to get to work! The first 3 weeks of December are usually a blur for me...so I must be prepared!

Good luck to all of you. Stay safe...until we meet again...

Head down, eyes open, I love you.

The Presidential Race

My husband and I are watching with interest this years race for president. Our country is in a cross roads here...we have candidates who have the passion for what they want this country to become. Our goal is to decide which passion we stand behind.

On Monday, I had the honor of attending the rally in Lee's Summit, Missouri for McCain/Palin. It was a sight to behold. There were over 6,000 in attendance..and I was lucky enough to not only be inside the convention hall, but to be in the second row back. Now, this didn't come easy. I arrived at 6:15 a.m...stood in the rain and the blustery wind...for 2 hours...just to be able to get inside. But I would do it again. Not ony were the candidates inspiring...but the people who had attended were also. We came from all different areas in the community...with different jobs, schools, pay classes...but there was a united front. I realized very quickly that I was no where near the level of some of these folks when it came to believing in a candidate!

I designed a special shirt, which I will post on my webite...and had MANY great comments regarding it. However, the most important thing I did...I printed out a picture of my son, "Christmas in Baghdad" and also the design "My son is away protecting our freedom". Young and old alike wanted to hear about the life of a soldier and his family....and I was willing to give an insight to what we experience...the pride, the fear, the joy, the excitement, the loneliness..all the emotions of what a family goes through while their loved ones are away.

I find that most don't realize this. It is taken for granted. I strongly believe that "we families" need to express our feelings and what we go through....because we don't have the luxury of daily phone calls, stops by the house to see what is going on, going "shopping" or just sitting around the table with that cold glass of lemonade or a Budweiser.

I will update later about both of my children...as life for each of them is changing as they serve our country.

With that I will close....

Head down, eyes open, I love you.

Happy New Year....a bit late...!

Well, it has been some time since I have written. For that I apologize....just not enough hours in the day.

We rushed with Christmas, getting orders out just as quick as we could...and then said a big "ahhhhhhhh"....Those 3 weeks of December are just absolute killers! But who am I to complain? could be worse...no orders at all!

The New Year arrived and we went into full wedding mode! So much to do in just 19 days! We made it...I have been out of the office since January 1...so I have a pile of mail to catch up on!

We prepared decorations, prepared food for 125 guests, bought our "wedding clothes", had friends, family visit....crazy time! But in the end, it was absolutely beautiful. Our daughter made a beatiful bride and we are so proud of her...She was absolutely glowing! The wedding ceremony was in the evening, and lit by candlelight...breathtaking!

Our son did actually make it home for the wedding...we were so glad to see him...he was one of the groomsman, and looked so nice in his black suit. His sister was so pleased and relieved that he made it....she had waited to marry till he could be here...so he made it extra special for her.

I turned 50 on the 26th of January...1 week after the wedding. This is the day our son had to leave for Belgium. He made it...after his flight getting cancelled, and then booking on a different airline...and waiting at Dulles in Washington and then almost not being allowed in at London/Heathrow! What a wild time for him! The long and the short of it is HE MADE IT...safe and sound.

He had some bad news....he was denied family accompaniment...this means that his new wife and her children are not allowed to go to Belgium to be with him. Not really sure why....one of the children has some special needs...and this apparently caused the problem. We are sad about this, because he is sad. We know how much he wanted to be able to have them with him, and to be such newlyweds....is going to be very hard. We hope everything works out for him.

We still are not exactly happy about his decision to marry, but if this girl makes him happy, and they are able to make a life together...then we are happy. That is all we have ever wanted...for our children to grow up to be strong, caring individuals. We want them to find the mate that will make them happy....and for the two families to be able to "blend" together....we have this with our daughters in laws-as for our sons-we have never spoken or had any contact....I hope to eventually have this with them also.

That is about it on this end....trying to get busy again...February has been especially hard on us...our son is gone...our daughter is married, I turned 50...we both got sick with a virus and sinus infection...and just to rest up after all that had gone on. My husband has Parkinson's Disease and me with my health problems, it just takes us longer to get anything done and then to recoup after we did!

Please remember....say a prayer for a soldier tonight...keep them in your prayers...

LousMom

My Son Got Married....

It is with a heavy, sad heart that I have to report that my son was married on November 9. We are extremely upset, as we do not believe that the girl he has chosen to marry is the right one for him. There are many issues, but the MAIN issue is that they have only been together since he returned on September 15. They had corresponded by email and myspace for a time, but how can you really know someone when that is your only contact?

He leaves for Belgium the end of January....so that is part of the reason for the rush. She has two kids, but neither have lived with her for quite some time. She is planning on taking them to Belgium with them. We are genuinely fearful of our son's decision. He is so fragile at this point, that if this blows up in his face...not sure how he would handle it...

I am upset with the Army also. Seems like with all the PTSD cases...that they would be more diligent to make sure their soldiers did not make these life altering decisions so quickly after returning from combat. He was married within 7 weeks of returning from that God forsaken place...to a girl he doesn't even know! I contacted his command, asking for intervention....they did speak with him...and they came up with a "compromise" but they are not following up on the decision either, apparently. He agreed to go for counseling, but it has been over a week, and he hasn't done anything to start the process...my guess is..he won't.

We are a close knit family and for him to do this...without us present...tells me that he knows this isn't right. Our daughter is getting married in January, she has waited for her brother to return from Iraq to get married because she wanted more than anything to have him there....now I don't even know that he will be...just breaks my heart.

The main thing that I stress...to anyone going/returning from combat...is...you don't make life changing decisions...marriage, divorce, etc. immediately before or after a deployment. The soldier needs time to collect his thoughts and realize that he isn't in harms way any longer.

So, for as much as I did and sacrificed for my son during his deployment...he made no difference now. I begged, I pleaded and I sobbed, but I couldn't get through to him. Many of our family and friends contacted him and asked him to wait, but he didn't listen to anyone.

On a happier note, our plans for our daughters wedding are coming together. I just can't believe how much weddings cost! But it is money well spent...she is a good girl, and we love her fiance. They have been dating for over 3 years...they took a "test" that the church had them take...a compatibility test...they came last night...said the national average was a score of 50. They scored 70...so the counselor was concerned...they answered too many questions alike! LOL! Guess it doesn't hurt to wait and get to know each other before hand!

Well, that is all for now. I have a Army mom coming over in about an hour...we are just going to get together and just talk for a little while. And I have orders to get done this afternoon.

Thanks for listening...

He's back at Bragg!

Our soldier left home on Monday afternoon, to start the 1200 mile drive back to Ft. Bragg....alone...I offered to go with him and fly back...but he said he would be fine. He was, he arrived there on Tuesday afternoon.

He called today, said he has been busy. They had their unit bar b q today. He had the honor of meeting PFC Tony Seig's mom, his aunt and his mom's best friend. He said it was really good to meet them....he has thought of them for a very long time...said the food was good and that he had been helping Deb....the wife of his best friend that was killed...deal with the kids and just stuff...trying to take care of his "brother's" wife. I told him he was a good, caring young man...that I was proud of him.

I have finally been getting back to business...printed orders this week, updating my gift basket web site with all the holiday baskets...making "thank you" cards to send out for those that helped with our "party"....a little late, but I hope everyone understands...

I am now planning our next Support Group meeting...in two weeks...as one of our members...her son leaves on the 25th to go to Iraq. Will try to meet the following weekend...she will need a few hugs I am afraid...

Our daughter's fiance joined the Air Force last week...then they surprised him with an opening for his #1 Choice...but he had to leave mid December. He didn't get back to them quite soon enough, and the spot was taken...I don't know how I could possibly plan a wedding in 6 weeks...with my "busy" holiday time approaching. Normally I work 7 days a week at least 12 hours a day for those 4 weeks...so I can say I am GLAD it worked out the way it did! LOL! I told them we would "Get 'er done", but at the same time I was thinking...how?

We are still making care packages...have packages ready, but no recipients...If you have a service member deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan, send me their address by email...and we will do our best to get a package out!

Well, that is about enough for now. Have probably bored every one enough!

Head down, eyes open, I love you.

I finally have a minute....

I wanted to write a bit tonight....finally have a chance...the last 3 weeks have gone by SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fast! My son and his unit arrived back in the states on September 15. His arrival time changed about 30 times just on Saturday alone, to where I was pretty much a basket case! Everytime I would see the email...I would have a flash back and think someone else was injured....but thankfully it wasn't...just a time change....that I could handle!

Spc. Louthain arrived with his company in grand style! I cannot fully explain the feelings of joy, relief, excitement, jubilation, sorrow, sadness, apprehension, and exhaustion that I felt that day...I was doing okay...and as they played the Star Spangled Banner while they stood in formation...I said to myself, "thank you God for bringing my baby home alive"...and then the tears began to flow. And flow they did...but I didn't worry...and I didn't try to hide them from my soldier...these were "happy tears". By the time they were told to "fall out"....I was pretty much a wet, teary, mess, but we found each other...and I hugged him for I can't tell you how long...he kept saying, I'm okay mom...I'm home...I'm okay mom...I couldn't help it...

As I began to "pull myself together", I handed him my cell phone so he could call his dad, his sister, his grandparents, and just work on down the line. I started walking around him and he was like "what are you doing"....I told him I was checking his fingers and toes...then I thought how morbid considering what he has been doing....but I told him I needed to check him out, just like I did when he was born...that I had waited so long for this day...and I just needed to know he was okay. He chuckled at that one...I think it is only something a mom could understand!

I spent that next week at Ft. Bragg with him. He stayed at the motel with me, so we had a chance to "catch up", to get him a cell phone, to take him to his favorite restaurants, and yes, to have his Bud long neck. Just as I promised, I had one waiting in the cooler when he was released....He drank the first one before I could even get the car out of the parking lot! He said beer never tasted so good. I got tickled at him at one point...he said to one of his fellow soldiers....did you notice it as we got off the plane? That "sweet smell of humidity"! I thought I was going to bust! I have heard of soldiers kissing the ground as they get off the plane, but this was a new one for me!

I returned home on the 22nd....caught up on orders (again) and finished preparations for his welcome home party. It was a busy week and I was exhausted...but I couldn't wait...and our family was so anxious to see him...you can only imagine...to know that your son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew has been to hell and back and made it home is just so utterly amazing. There wasn't a one of us that could wait to get our hands on him! I start to "tear up" just thinking of this...

Spec. Louthain returned to Kansas City on September 29th. Again, he arrived at the airport before we did! And we even had a Patriot Guard escort! His plane was a half an hour early...and no one there when he got off that plane...But he came home in style! He was so amazed. We had a escort of 20 bikes and 2 cages as well as 2 family cars. What was really hard was that there was a MAJOR traffic snarl on the interstate...that caused our welcome party to be late or to turn around and give up...even the ride captain for the Patriot Guard was late! But we rode home in style, and our local police department met us on the highway and escorted us on home...blocking intersections for us...and with the fire department in front of City Hall saluting as we drove by. They actually came to the house to officially welcome him home...it was totally cool...

We had a Missouri Backyard Bar B Q for him as we arrived...we had invited friends, family, the Patriot Guard, Soldiers Angels, the support group I have started...he was just amazed at all that were there to welcome him home...it did this soldier good...and his momma good...to see the love and support of our community, our family and our friends...I had taken an invitation to the post office...to the lady who would help me get most of his care packages off to him...she was here when we arrived...I was so excited to see her! she was actually on vacation and starting a long road trip the next day, but she took time to come and welcome him home...I cannot tell you what that meant to me...

In the end, we had about 75 in attendance,but only fed about 50...some had to take off and couldn't stay. My husband and daughter had worked hard to get our yard into shape, and my brother came and helped get the tents set up...we even had a port a potty donated by family members...so we were ready to party....we made sure we had plenty of food and beverages to keep everyone happy! It was good for our soldier to have this time to just be a guy...to talk about guy stuff...and to see friends and family that he hadn't seen in a year.

I am starting to get a little nervous now. He leaves on Monday to go back to Bragg...this is Thursday...not to much more time with my boy. But that is okay, as long as he isn't in Iraq I won't worry too much. He leaves in January for Belgium. He reenlisted while he was in Iraq and was given a billet to Belgium. This is a good thing...it will keep him from having to go back...or at least that is the plan...

I will close for now. I will try not to be so long in between posts. I will post some photos as soon as I can figure out how to make them look right...

One of my moms from my support group...her son leaves Ft. Hood on Saturday for Iraq. I pray for her...for strength and for her son for his safety and his strength.

Please continue to remember all our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines...they are fighting a hard battle, one which we MUST win.

Head down, eyes open, I love you.

On My Way!

The day is finally here! They day I return to Ft. Bragg! I am so excited...I just cannot begin to explain. My soldier arrives on Saturday. When he called at 5 a.m. this morning...he said...do you realize Mom...Saturday...the 15th..is the same day I left last year to come home on leave. I said I knew it was getting close. I told him...I knew when you were home on leave last year...that it would be a year before I saw you again. He said, "Me too".

This has been a very long year...my soldier & I have learned so very much. We have both grown a lot too. I realize, as my soldier does, that we have to cherish the small moments...the little pieces of our lives. Our lives are like quilts. They start out large...uncut...fresh and new...and as we go through life, we have many good moments and bad moments...and each of these, tears a piece of that fabric...then as we begin to heal...the pieces are sewn back together again. No one knows when we start out in life..how many pieces we will have...but the journey is remarkable!

Tonight I am meeting and having dinner with my soldiers girlfriend. I welcome the opportunity to meet and get to know her. I don't know a lot about her. She is someone my son has been corresponding with during this journey...but if she is what she seems to be...this will be good. I pray that this is the case.

I have had fun shopping for clothes for my son. He has lost so much weight, it is hard to know what size to buy. And once he gets back, and tastes his momma's cookin...he will be even skinnier! No, he can't wait to get home to my cooking...now I just need to remember how! My husband loves it....now he knows he will come home to dinner every night! LOL!

My son said I don't care what you bring or if you bring anything....but you MUST have a long neck Budweiser waiting for me when I get off that plane! That is all he thinks about...beer....beer...and more beer. And honestly, he will find he didn't miss it THAT much...it is just the thought of having gone so long without one!

With that I will close. Thank you to all for your support these past months. It means more than any of you will ever know.

Head down, eyes open, I love you.