Life goes on...

Although there are times when one day seems to be the same as the last and everything around you seems to be moving, when I look at my children I realize life does continue to move forward, one day at a time.

Stephanie and Josh's home is getting closer to completion. They have set a deadline of Thanksgiving. Anyone who has lived through a construction project while living in the home knows what an exausting project it can be. I hope they make it.

If I haven't mentioned it, Jon began training for extreme fighting and has had four fights... last night he won his first fight! He said his lip was split and his eye was a little swollen, but other than that he is fine. He was very excited and I am happy for him. As his mother I don't think I can sit through a fight, but if he asked I would. He is also handling all his last year of classes and due to graduate in May of 2007. Who would have ever thought that a young man with a very severe form of dyslexia would make it through a five year program in college. I am so proud of him I could burst.

Timothy is very busy. One month before his 21st birthday, after having gone off base for an evening of entertainment, he was walking back to the base and they were testing everyone under 21 for their blood alcohol level, Tim's was .05 and of course any level was too high. He sweated it out for a month for the military to decide his punishment, and on his 21st birthday he was called in and told he would lose one stripe, have 45 days extra duty and 45 days restricted duty. His 21st birthday will be a day he won't forget... for many reasons. He knows he was wrong but is still dealing with the punishment. He has been very busy and I haven't been hearing from him very much. I am not sure if that is because of the extra duty or because of what is going on in North Korea. Either way, I am his Mom and I worry about him.

Christina is getting ready for the fall play, a comedy 'Faulty Towers' and opening night is October 27th. She has a major roll and is very excited. I know she will be wonderful! She is looking forward to everything going on during her senior year. She is yet to decide where she wants to go for college, but will need to soon.

I can't forget Todd. He is so cute and we "ALL", yes that includes Zeb, grow more in love with him every day. He loves to play ball with Zeb and is getting a little better with doing his business outside, or maybe he is just training us better. Oh and he does bark... usually when he is playing with other dogs.

Seeing their lives take form, their trials and joys provides me the proof that life does move forward and everyday is not the same and shows me that they are still 'growing' each and every day!

To Todd or not to Todd

It seems we have a new member of the family. Christina and I have been talking about a dog for at least a year... me with a list of 'wants' and 'not wants', Christina with a list of 'Anything Mom want's, I just want' and Zeb with a list of 'never wants'.
I have been thinking more about wanting a dog since my husband is working most of my sleeping hours, a sort of guard dog or atleast a pre-warning dog. On Monday evening, a friend of the family called with an available dog that fit my 'want and not want list' and said we should come to see him. She offered us to keep him for a few days to try him out. I held him, he licked my face and I was in love. Of course I new I had another hurtle to cross, Zeb.
The next afternoon I called Zeb and said, "Honey, I saw this cute dog and he is so sweet..." before I could finish Zeb replied, "Go get the dog and he better be there when I get home."
He has been here for two days and it seems like he has been here forever. He is a perfect fit. He is a five month old Pomeranian and has a gentle and quiet personality. He hasn't really barked yet and I am wondering if he does. He welcomes everyone that comes in with a cute little wiggle and a wag of his tail. I guess you can see he isn't going anywhere, he has melted 'ALL' our hearts.

My feelings On this Independence Day

What does independence mean to me... SACRIFICE! My family and every other family who lived or loved a person serving or served in the military has made sacrifice. I have a Father and Uncle who served in the Vietnam War and my Son is serving in a combat zone in South Korea. The families worry and support the family member who is serving every second of the day. THANK YOU to all who have made the sacrifice for others, including the families. This sacrifice has given us the country we have today... good, bad and ugly. It is what it is, we (the people who love the USA) have a lot to learn and change, but I wouldn't trade it for any other country in the world. SACRIFICE, thank you for giving us one of the most precious gifts in the world, your sons, daughers, husbands, wives, aunts, uncles...! Inside Zebster: On this Independence Day

Inside Zebster: Their mother, my wife

Thank you for saying all the 'nice' things, and yes you do have an interesting sense of timing. Remember, I am the one with the good sense of humor. When I meet you I said it would be hard for someone to come into my life because you would be fifth in line for the vast majority of the time. You not only did that but you assisted me in raising the other four people who were above you. I know it has not always been easy and I have neglected you at times, but you have always been on my mind and I always knew you would be there when I needed you. Thank you for being my rock and soft pillow to fall on and the great step-dad that you are! Happy Anniversary, Poot lover. You're the best!
Posted by Shelly on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at Inside Zebster: Their mother, my wife

Tim

Feeling sad that Tim's gone, being a worried Mom. (Tim left for Korea this weekend)