A Brief "Touch and Go"

Since my last post on Thursday, oh me oh my....time has flown. The hands on my clocks might as well have been fan blades swirling the days past me like a whirlwind.

When we drove down to Parris Island, SC only 2 weeks ago, we saw planes from the Marine Corps Air Station landing on the strips and then immediately lifting back off to do it again....what they call a "touch and go". Well, this is what it felt like with Justin's brief and well-deserved R&R.

The time Justin was home on his 10 day leave was sweet, but oh so short. Yesterday his dad and I drove him out to Camp Geiger where the USMC School of Infantry is located, right near Camp LeJeune, the Marine Corps base @ Jacksonville, NC. Once again we had to say goodbye.

I am attempting to put into a capsule some photos of the last days since they came and went in a blink. (mostly for memories sake in this ejournal-scrapbook of mine.)

Wednesday afternoon, all four siblings took off and went to see the latest edition of Star Trek on the big screen. I was so happy to see them getting to do something all together. Their paths and schedules are so scattered now, that it is a rare occurrence. I'm sure they enjoyed their time together, especially with Justin here to join in. He has been missed.

Saturday evening we went out to watch both Kameron and Jonny play in Soccer games. That was fun. Afterwards we called Katie at work and told her to meet us at Taco Bell for a quick "late supper" all together.













Sunday we attended church and then ate Chinese buffet afterwards with Grandmama and Grandaddy Shaw. That was a good time, and good food!

Then Monday morning was time spent packing and getting everything squared away to get on the road for Camp Geiger.

This Marine Mom spent some time at the ironing board getting shirts and some pants starched!

Don't touch the Chevron, Mom!!!!!!



wow... been a long time since I starched some shirts!


It was mama's privilege and pleasure to help out her son.

Justin had taken off to get a fresh "high and tight" cut before reporting, and also to check on the boots he had ordered a week ago. They were to arrive at the Army Navy store. He did not get home until almost 11:30 am. Mom and Dad were getting antsy! Turns out he was waiting for the delivery shipment at the store. Worth it! His boots came in just in time. Nice!!!








whew, think that's everything. Now pack some drinks and snacks for that four and a half hour drive, and say all goodbyes, and hit the road.

Awww. poor RobRoy (Woobie). He just got used to having Justin back home...started following him everywhere, and now Justin is disappearing again....(Justin's little padawan) Thankfully pets adjust and live in the moment (for the most part; they aren't so aware of timespans)


one last pic before exiting the house. Bye KamMan.


We left and drove one street over for Justin to say a quick goodbye to his grandparents, and then drove back by the house just in time to catch Jonny coming in the driveway from work ( he had gone in at 5 am, and hadn't gotten to tell Justin goodbye and get that brotherly bearhug)

Justin had dropped in at BJ's Club to purchase a few items that morning and got to tell big sis Katie goodbye, as she was working also.

And away we went. About four and a half hours later, we arrived in Jacksonville. We stopped at a Burger King to grab a bite for Justin. It was 5:45, so we knew he had missed evening chow. We then found a Ramada Inn just a hop down the road and let him out to change into his Service uniform, which is required dress for the training Marines checking in at Camp Geiger. He certainly wasn't going to wear it the entire trip. Here he is going in with all his uniform "stuff". Surprise!... another Marine he recognized from Parris Island met him outside. (also named Smith.) :-)

wow, this Marine mom says....my son sure is Marine "cut" and in good shape!


phew..40 minutes later, finished product. So much stuff to put on, there's even straps that hold the shirt in, attached to the socks!!!! grief!


But, HE DOES LOOK GOOD!


A passing glance at the entrance sign at Camp Geiger School of Infantry.

No pictures were supposed to be taken once inside the gates (without permission from an officer) so I stood behind the van and got this photo shot quickly as my Marine walked away, independent once again, as it should be.


I viewed this last photo for my post today, and just started crying. Letting go is hard, mamas. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Justin is doing what he wants to do, what he feels called to do. He has been looking forward to Infantry training. (biting at the bit to get there) I am happy that he is feeling accomplished and confident in his calling and training. He is doing what God has planned for him. He is in God's palm and covered. This mom is confident! God is my Rock and Assurance, and my beloved four kids are all in His care.

As we suspected ahead of time, once arriving at check point, Justin was all business, said a quick "Goodbye" and took off. SO QUICK, it happened. No hugs or photos. We did say a fast prayer in the van before he got out. BUT!!!!.... 20 minutes down the road, he had been given the use of a buddy's cell phone and called us to talk, and say goodbye and express his gratitude for all we had done. He sounded very upbeat and relaxed, and a lot of young men chatter was in the background. Such a wonderful moment to cap off the day. Made this mom happy, and dad too. The trip home was easier because of that call. Thank you, sweet son.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

Blessings to all who may catch this post.

CELEBRATIONS! ...Walking Their Predestined Paths

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD..." (Jeremiah 29: 11-14a)

Woo Hoo! Ooo rah!
Graduation and Completion!

Last night we celebrated and recognized the accomplishments of two sons.
Both of them are honorable and accomplished young men. They are deserving of their accolades and honors, and we as a loving family, applaud them.

Jonny has been awarded his diploma for finishing up his home school endeavors. He is the first of our four to have gone through his entire schooling process here at home. Katie and Justin attended a private Christian school their first few years of schooling, before we began our homeschooling journey. So, Jonny has endured! We are pleased with his fortitude and long suffering to finish up. He has been attending Central Piedmont Community College to get his finishing classes and credits.

Justin has completed his journey on Parris Island in boot camp to become a Marine.
This young man, too, endured much... more than we will know, I'm sure, to finish that particular race and calling. He graduated, and received a meritorious promotion to Private First Class. For this feat and triumph, we honored and thanked him for choosing to serve us and all peoples in our country by defending and protecting our rights and freedoms we know and experience.







We had a wonderful evening with Grandmama and Granddaddy Shaw hosting in their home.
Their was plenty of food - Greg's Barbecue, and all the fixin's to go with it. YUM!

After stuffing ourselves, we headed out to Grandmama's sunroom, our traditional "recognition room". Another tradition in graduation celebrations is the photo board of the graduate's life. Below is Jonny's.




click on the photo to get a closer view of the photos.

Next is Justin's photo board of his journey from taking his oath at the MEPS center in Charlotte on January 13th to Graduation Day at Parris Island, SC on May 22nd.





After speeches, sharing, presentations, and gifts, we had delicious cake and ice cream!


Kudos to the wonderful lady in the bakery at BJ's Club (employment stomping grounds for Katie, Justin, and Jonny) for decorating this cake with instructions from Katie. She applied the "edible photo" from a sample pic we provided of the eagle, globe, and anchor symbol. (even though Jonny's name was spelled wrong, we think she did an awesome job.) :-)


...and of course, photos, for memories. We will recall and remember and thank our God, when we look back over our lives at the many milestones and celebrations He has brought us through!











Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.
'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

This scripture we claim for our walk through this life. God, the Lord Almighty is with us. He is our fortress. He WILL make the wars cease. He will keep us and shield us as we live for Him and through Him. We are covered. Our children are covered. Praise the Lord.

Many pics today, but again, this is one mom's e-journal as she posts and scrapbooks her memories of family and God's workings in this life.


I close today with one of Justin's favorite musical selections. :-)
With a grateful heart full to overflowing,

Lampapalooza!

Nester is doing a Lampapalooza, and giving away some of her awesome tassels with a drawing from all who participate/post. So, I thought I would get my little post in there pronto for a chance. :-)
Here's her link, if you want to join in the fun:
http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/


Metal and chrome in my bath with some crystal accents. Found this little clearance lamp at Target a number of years back... matched perfectly. Now, what to do with that cord????


I like blue and white ware, so when I found this little lamp at Goodwill sans shade, I grabbed it up, added a beaded shade, and placed it in this corner in the living room. (always on in the evening)


This little distressed white Southern pineapple lamp fits well in the corner of the kitchen. I placed it on top of an architectural candle holder (from GW) and found a black polka-dotted shade with colorful beads to top it off. I like to have a few black decor items sprinkled through each room. (Stays on all the time)


Ack! No mudroom or back entry catch-all area, so what to do?....add an Industrial steel rolling rack to catch all the shoes, sports equipment, and doggie hardware. To give a more homey look, the top rack holds this little country shabby Rooster lamp I found at a thrift shop. The red shade adds the perfect touch. I just added a small red berry wreath around his neck. Love it!


This little bronze pineapple lamp I got at a discount ALDI grocery for under 5.00. It stays on day and night in the Dining room. (nice little night light) I like the feathery fringe.


This was a hanging globe I found at GW. I took all of the hardware off, and then screwed it to an antique floor lamp post that belonged to my Grandmother. It stands in a corner in the dining room.

Dining Room chandelier - basic plain brass with no shades on the bulbs. Being the very "eclectic, do what YOU like" person I am, I added Christmas tree crystal decor, and hanging blue beads, neutral shades, gold ribbon, and glittery floral berry stems up the hanging posts. Works for me. :-) Easy to change, too.


Brass/navy marbled base Desk lamp, yep, again from Goodwill. Just added a glittery star ornament and a pair of vintage costume glass bead earrings (GW). Done.
Adds some sparkle to my working desk area.


This corner in the Living Room has no light. Below this lamp is our "puzzle table".
Definitely needed some brighter light. Found this at GW, sprayed it white to go w/ the other wicker items sprinkled in the LR. It needs some more work, and a cord cover, but that's on the back burner. (simmering but not forgotten!)


I know, I know, this isn't a "lamp", but I call it my night lamp. All of my outlets in the Living Room are out of the way, so I have no place for a nightlight to show. So, this is my nightlight, for when I get up at 3 am to see what my dogs are barking at out the front windows. Stays on all the time. So, I included it... if for nothing else, just to stretch the ever widening boundaries of how we inspired women can light up our homes! :-)
Hope you enjoyed. This was fun. Hop over to The Nesting Place and show us your creative lamps and lighting.