DAYS OF GRATITUDE: DAY 30 The Cornucopia

The Cornucopia is one of those things, at least for me, that I see alot during Thanksgiving and have always wondered why. I get the general idea of the "food horn" but I have always been curious as to what it meant....so I finally took a second and looked it up! From the definition, it states that is a symbol of food and abundance dating back to the 5th century BC.   Interesting.

This past month I have truly enjoyed writing daily (well almost daily) about the things in my life that I am thankful for.  It has been really refreshing to remind myself how truly blessed I am and how much I could really take for granted if I allowed myself to do so.  Looking back and reading the posts from this month, I believe that the blessings I wrote about created my own personal cornucopia.  The analogy might be a stretch for some, but I look at this picture with the abundance of food exhibited and instead visualize all of my personal blessings.  How grateful I am for each and every thing in my life that contributes to my happiness.  I am so blessed and hope to always be reminded of how full my "harvest cone" really is and to be worthy of the blessings that fill my life.

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 29 BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING ADVENTURES

Sale: One of my favorite words,
only outdone by "clearance"!

It may look like I have forgotten to write the last few days... it's just been that I have been out and about!  We celebrated Thanksgiving and spent the day with our family! It was wonderful!

But, I have to say that this past year I have been looking
forward to the night where the crazies come out... and no, I am not talking about Halloween... I am talking about
BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPERS!  

Can you see me... NOPE, I don't stand in
these silly lines... we wait until the doors are OPEN!

I used to say how silly these people were and how there was NOTHING I wanted that badly  - but I have since changed my mind this past two years!  And I owe it all to my dear friend and fellow night owl, Jennifer! We have such a great time and it seems that each year we go earlier and earlier!  This year kissed our  families goodbye and headed out at 10pm Thanksgiving night and didn't return until 8 am the following morning!  We shopped and we shopped and we shopped!  We found deal after deal after deal!  Though, the thermometer did read  -2 degrees, we were not nearly as cold last year when we had to trek a mile in the cold to reach our destination! We were stoked to find that we got there early enough to get a front row parking spot!  HOORAY!  That was just the start!  Our night was filled with great conversation, gut wrenching laughter, numerous potty breaks, and of course, a diet coke or twelve!  We were even able to indoctrinate one of my friends to come and I think we made a believer out of her for future trips!  
And though we really did our part for this economy... (boy did we ever!)  the best part was having this quality time together as friends!  It was a night where we could just have fun and the only schedule we worried about is when the next store opened!  Of course, the sleep deprivation will be a topic left for another time... but let's just say that I am still trying to catch up on my zeez... but it was WELL WORTH IT!  Thanks Jenn for another great year!  Loved it! 

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 24 Great Friends

"I have a hand, and you have another; put them together and we have each other."

I have been truly blessed in life in regards to friends!  In looking back on my life, it seems I was always given that blessed circle of friends who have meant so much to me in life. It feels like for every season in my life, the Lord blessed me with those in particular that could understand, relate, and comfort me in my life.  I am extremely blessed to have such fond memories and experiences in relation to friends. 

It would be hard to name all of those in my life that have made my world a better place but you know who you are.  You're the ladies that shared in the giggle fit at 2 am in young women's camp kitchen!  You're the friend that stayed up late visiting about life and our dreams for the future!  You're the woman that helped scrape old linoleum off out of my kitchen in preparation for my new wood floor!  You're the one that sat and cried with me when life threw me a curve!  You're the ones that were up for a road trip to Idaho to support a fellow friend in her time of need!  You're the ones that drove in a winter storm to my father's funeral to show your love and support!  You're the ones that brought special surprises for us when the flu bug hit our home.  You're the ones that let me vent and rave about the oddest things!  You're the ones that accept my craziness and love me anyway!  You're the one that took the time to call, to write or text me a happy message to let me know I was loved!  You're the ones that dropped in with a Halloween surprise... just because!  You're my visiting teaching partner who never complains and is truly the best one I have ever had. 
You're the crazy one that talked me into Black Friday shopping and has made it a tradition - regardless of the bitter cold!  You're the ones that share a hug or smile. You're the ones that realize that words sometimes are not needed to express the heart!  You're the ones I truly call my friends.

This list could go on forever... I have been so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.   I am grateful for the love that is shared between us and ever so touched by our friendships.  Each one is unique and special to me and I am so happy to be part of your lives.  May the friendship I try to extend be worthy of the friendships I have! 

 

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 23 Sibling Relationships



The Day Ava was Born!

 My parents decided that having six kids was a great idea!  Seeing as I am number six in the line, I am pretty glad they did!  Growing up, our house was filled with the normal things... laughter, fights, and sibling rivalry.  Even though there were times we didn't get along -and for some of us - never got along, we still were each other's protector and supporter!  The ideology, as twisted as it is, I can hate you, hurt you and make fun of you.. but no one else better! was evident in our home.  We always stood our ground for each other and think were always so happy to have such a big family to love and cherish.

Snuggled in!

I always hoped that when I had my own family (which I thought would be 5 strapping boys who idolized their mother! ha) that my children would love, honor and protect each other.  I have been blessed with two beautiful girls; each having their own challenges, but both loving the other one so much.  It is Grace's name that Ava cries out when she is hurt or afraid. And being the older sister, Grace promptly comes to the rescue - even if it is just a hug or kiss!  I am so thankful! 


 Now, I must admit that not every day is roses!  My girls are 4 years apart - so sometimes Ava can get in the way of whatever it is that Grace deems important at the time.  My sick sense of humor finds it hilarious to hear, "AVA.... come on... leave me alone!"  or "Mom, Ava is bothering me - and she's doing it on purpose!"   It makes me smile to just think about it!  The truth is, Ava IS doing it on purpose, most of the time.. and the devious look on her face is worth a million bucks!  Of course, after hiding the smile, we step in and right their worlds again.  But I have to say - it cracks me up!  



I also have a soft spot for Grace who is one of the most resilient children I know.  Since her earliest years, she has dealt with her daddy being deployed and then dealing with Ava's condition - meaning the ambulance rides, the hospital visits and/or all things related to her emergency situations.  For an adult, those situations can be crazy scary.  She somehow takes it all in stride!  I believe the Lord blessed me with Grace whose so strong and not easily upset so that in those times of crisis we can readily and without too much disruption deal with the circumstances.  She is so level headed and so tender hearted that her main concern is Ava and what we need to do to help her.  She is such a blessing! 

I am so grateful for my own siblings.  I love each one of them. My life has been greatly blessed by having them in my life.I been blessed to have my sister, who is 3 years older than me, be my best friend my entire life.  We have always supported each other and have loved each other always.  It is my prayer that my own girls will have that same kind of relationship with each other and that they will cultivate it each day!  There is nothing better than knowing that some is cheering for your successes and there to hug you in your times of sorrow. And let's not forget the gut wrenching giggles, the fashion police assistance, and hand holding moments that we rely on our family for! I am indeed grateful for siblings; my own and the relationship I get to witness each day with Grace and Ava. 

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 22 My Favorite Season: WINTER

There are many things that make me grateful for Winter-Time:

Beautiful Scenery created by fresh fallen snow!




Little Ones Bundled Up for Adventures!



Snowballs!

Snow Ball Fights!

Snowblowers!  So Very grateful to the guy that invented this machine!  Saves time, saves achy backs!

Helping Neighbors! 


 And let's not forget hot chocolate with marshmellows, crockpot cooking, warm quilts, hoodies, the holiday season, fires in the fireplace, snow salt, snowplow drivers, gloves and mittens, and the excuse to hibernate! 







DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 21 Flethcher's!

This subject matter is a little less desirable, but after the scary, emotional, and stress filled days we have had this week.. I would be ungrateful if I didn't mention Fletcher's Children's Laxative!  I won't go into details - simply because it's gross..  but we came pretty close to having some major medical issues with Ava and thanks to round the clock doses of Fletcher's and a few other things, we avoided a trip to the ER! So thanks Fletcher's! 

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: DAY 20 Saturday Morning Pancakes

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am NOT a breakfast eater! I hate consuming anything before 10am (except Diet Coke of course),  I rather loathe eggs of any sort and I am not really partial to breakfast food in general. However, I must admit that I enjoy

Mickey Mouse Pancakes!

making the breakfast treats for my family, who unlike me, LOVE all breakfast foods!   This morning there was a simple request made by Ms. Grace who chanted, and I mean CHANTED, for Pancakes in her favorite shape - Mr. Mickey Mouse!  Being Saturday, and a lazy one at that, how could I not supply my little ones with this simple wish!  And might I add that it was the worth the smile I witnessed from my girls! It is crazy to see that such an outpouring of happiness can come from flipping a pancake!  Their joy was enough to make your heart melt - just like the butter we drizzled all over Mickey's face!   Simple pleasures - happy hearts!

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 19 A Misc. List of Things

 Today marks the end of a rather crazy week!  My mind has turned to mush and my brain cells are tired of rubbing together. Below is a short list of misc. things that hardly need an explanation of why I love them so I will spare you the dribble and just let you draw your own conclusions!

1. hot showers

2. ice cubes

3. good friends that stand beside you no matter what

4. target

5. voice mail

6. disposable diapers

7. air freshener

8. a full gas tank

9. window wiper fluid

10. toilet paper

11. washer and dryer

12. gut wrenching laughter

13. the public library

14. caller id

15. vacuum cleaners

16. smiles

17. paid off car loans

18. my hair straightener

19. good books to read

20. family movie night

21. thumb tacks

22. Christmas lights

23. modern medicine

24. having a passport (not that we travel.. but just in case)

25. television

26. watching my girls dance to the ipod

27. stars in the sky

28. sonic cokes

29. remote controls

30. the quiet that comes when the kids are sleeping

31. hand sanitizer

32. Clorox wipes

33. windows

34. rainbows

35. my hymn book

36. 3 ring binders

37. no show socks

38. running shoes

39. sweat pants

40. hoodies

41. flip flops

42. finger nail polish / remover

43. the snooze button

44. dv-r

45. email

46. sunshine

47. crazy bread from little Caesars pizza

48. gum

49. can openers

50. bottled water

And that's it in a nutshell....Oh!  I am thankful for nutshells! :)



DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 18 My Humble Abode



Today, I am most grateful for my little piece of the Earth we call home.  So often, and I mean often, I catch myself saying, "I wish I had a different floor plan" or "I wish Jason's commute wasn't so long".  In fact, I think in blog entry about bathrooms I said, "I wish I had a main floor bathroom so that guests didn't have to go up or down to potty!"  Of course, there will always be things I would like to change - it's a natural part of life I think.  Who doesn't want a paint job, kitchen back splash or crown molding?  Why shouldn't I want the tile we bought 2 years ago for our bathroom floors be installed?  :) 

But then, in the quiet of the night, when my kids are tucked in bed and the house is still.... I look around and smile. I smile knowing that we are warm, safe, and dry.  I smile that my husband who works so hard can come home to a clean, happy home.  I smile because we have carved a section of the world out for our family.  I smile because we have great neighbors (give or take one or two... ha) and friends. I smile because my girls go to school in a place without metal detectors and armed guards.  I smile because our backyard allows my children to run and play.  I smile because I can lock my door and in so doing lock the world outside. I smile because at the end of the day we have a place to call home!  How blessed I am to have my home, my family and the love that grows within it!

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 17 My Daughter AVA

I am a blessed mother of two beautiful girls!  And though they both have such special places in my heart, today I wanted to express my thankfulness for my youngest daughter, Ava. 

On a sunny day in July of 2006, Ava was born into our family!  She is a gorgeous girl and such a delight! However, upon looking at my sweet girl, you wouldn't think that she is battling a life-threatening disease.  

For that first two months our world was perfect!  We had two gorgeous, healthy girls.  Ava was developing and progressing on schedule but in month three she started having "episodes" of seizure activity.  At first we thought it was just a tick or that her little system was trying to work out the kinks. But when these episodes started to be consistent, we knew it was time to see the our doctor.  We were immediately sent to Primary Children's Medical Center (heaven on earth) and after her little body was put through every scan, test and x-ray known to man, she was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis - a genetic disorder that causes abnormal growths to develop in her body spontaneously.  This is a fairly uncommon syndrome and is usually passed down through the genetic lines. However in some cases, and as it turns out with Ava, it is a spontaneous occurrence.  The typical human body is born with the gene to ward off any abnormal growths that could occur.  TS is the syndrome for those of us that are not born with that gene.  Unfortunately, Ava's body is missing that gene and so her body can't fight those growths. For her, these growths (tubers) have primarily presented themselves in her brain.  The symptoms of this disease are exhibited through seizures - which are sporadic and spontaneous. Even when medicated, she could seize at any time for any reason.  We have had 3 experiences thus far where she was Life-Flighted to the hospital and once where we truly thought we had lost her battle.  But alas, my little one is a fighter and is still here to bring us joy everyday! This condition also, and mostly because of her 35-40 tubers in her brain, causes developmental delay and her progression of the "normal" milestones have been slower than most.  In fact, it took us until last Christmas to see her walking.. What a Christmas miracle that truly was!!  It affects each child differently and we are told that Ava is on the high end of ability. Some children lack the skills to feed themselves, dress themselves, walk, run, crawl, or do most everyday activities that we take for granted.  What a blessing it is to us that even though we have this challenge in our lives, she continues to develop as a typical child, just at a slower pace.  In fact, this year Ava started Pre-school  - she is so very smart and is growing leaps and bounds! Her personality is unfortunately like her mother's - stubborn and defiant but also strong and courageous.  And where she is not the typical 4 year old - to me she is not the typical 4 year old for more reasons that her disease.  When I look at my daughter, I see a choice spirit of the God who has more strength than most of us.  I see a girl whose life has taught me patience, love, understanding, faith and a total reliance of the eternal plan of my Heavenly Father.  Ava gives me courage each day.  She reminds me that God has a plan and that no matter what trials or heartbreaking events we experience, He is always there to love, guide and comfort us. I do not know how long we will have her in our lives. And though the next seizure episode is somewhere around the corner and we live with that threat each day, we have come to realize that we can handle whatever comes our way.  We live each day to the fullest, cherish the memories we have made thus far, and press on no matter what! 

So, yes!  Today, I am grateful for my darling Ava who brightens up my life.  And in those moments of exhaustion and stress, I still wouldn't change a thing.  Love is a beautiful thing. 

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 16 Indoor Plumbing

BEFORE

I just want to express my thanks to the individual who brought us the indoor toilet!    

AFTER



I mean seriously, we've come along way in the area of waste management!  Though currently, I would prefer to have a bathroom on the main level of our home; one where our quests wouldn't have to take a tour of the house to go potty, and where my family wouldn't have to go up or down to use the facilities, I should try to remember that not too many years ago indoor plumbing was just a dream!  I should think how unfortunate it had to be for people who had to hike outside, in the freezing rain or snow, barefoot, uphill and both ways - just to sit on seat or hover over a hole in the ground to relieve themselves.  Not to mention doing all that in the dark and wondering what sorts of creatures were sharing the space with you as you "went".   So thank you Mr. Toilet Maker - thank you for making my life so much easier. I will forever be grateful to have a bathroom within 7 steps of my bed - for those in the middle of the night trips to the girl's room.  And I so appreciate that I can flush away my debris by pushing down a simple lever.  Now if we could just work on self-cleaning toilets - the world would be one step closer to being a perfect place! 



DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 15 DORA the EXPLORER

 Yep, I said it... "I am thankful for Dora!"  Believe me, she makes me want to gag... and it's so irritating that I find myself singing her theme song during the day, but the smile puts on Ava's face is priceless!  So she's a little bit annoying... big deal.. she makes my daughter happy and that's enough for me!  Oh, and did I mention my kids are bilingual all due to Dora brainwashing??  :)

Dora!

Boots!

           Come on dora!

Do-do-do-do-do-dora!

Do-do-do-do-do-dora!

Do-do-do-do-do-dora!

Do-do-do-do-do-dora!

Dora dora dora the explorer!

Boots, that super cool explora, dora!

Need your help!

Grab your backpacks!

Lets go!

Jump in!

Vaminos!

You can lead the way!

Hey! hey!

Do-do-dora!

Do-do-do-dora!

Do-do-dora!

Do-do-do-dora!

Swiper no swiping!

Swiper no swiping! (oh man)

Dora the explorer!

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 14: RAINY SUNDAYS and AFTERNOON NAPS

The Carpenter's are half right when they say that "Rainy days and Monday's always get me down"  - the Monday part is a no brainer - as who likes to stop the weekend? But the rainy days... I welcome them - each and every one!

Residents of Seattle would most likely disagree with me (as my sister complains so often) but I LOVE hearing the raindrops as they pound the roof!  I love the gray color of the sky as the clouds move in. I love the excuse the rain gives to put off running errands and stay in doors.  I love the very idea of grabbing the biggest, softest quilt and snuggling with the ones you love.  I love the quiet moments the rainy day brings that makes you want to have a movie marathon or grab your favorite book!  I love that rainy, cold days encourage crock-pot cooking and steaming hot cups of hot chocolate! 

And yes, oh yes... let's not forget that the opportunity to take that highly coveted, much deserved afternoon nap! There's nothing as inviting as staying the pj's and laying your head on the pillow  - whether for 2 minutes or 2 hours... sleep is blissful when you can hideaway within the confines of your home and hear only the sounds of drip, drop, drip as you carry yourself off to dreamland.

   

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 13 EXIT, ENTRY AND ALL KINDS OF DOORS

 I would like to express my thanks for the creation of the door.  What simple thing right, but mostly they go unnoticed and without priase.  That is of course until one gets broken or colored on by marker which the kids deem "artwork"...... which leads me to think, "what

Garage Doors

in the world we do without doors of every kind?
Garage doors supply us with a place to park our vehicles.  Isn't it great to live in Utah and have a garage door that shields us for the feet of snow that we would have to shovel off the car just to get out of the driveway?  And let's not forget the wonderful invention of AUTOMATIC garage doors with remote openers.  How great is it that we can drive onto our street, push a little button and watch as the door slides up it rails?!  It is so inviting and to me says, "Welcome Home, Rebecca!" 


Bathroom Doors

  And thank goodness for those architects who decided that your bathroom toilets should be secluded, separate places.  It is wonderful to find our "beautiful toilets" confined by woods and handles that save us all moments of embarrassment; whether from odor or noises that come from the depths of places we dare not speak of!! And don't try and tell me you're not grateful for that! 

And then, a closet door!  Typically I am pretty organized.. the picture show is NOT my closet, thought at times it does resemble some of mine!  A closet door certainly has it's perks when unexpected company rings the doorbell and there's clutter to be stashed!  And isn't it wonderful at times to pretend that our children's rooms are clean - even though we know that when we open their closet door there will clothes on the floor, dirty laundry stuffed in places we didn't know existed and candy wrappers tucked in the sock cubby?  At least when the door is closed we can remain in denial until the time when we are forced to face reality!
 So, yes, I am grateful for all kinds of doors! Entry, Exit, Bedroom, bathroom, closet or car... where we would be if we didn't have the option of shutting one?!

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 12 MY MARRIAGE





Our Wedding Day!



In a world where marriage isn't held as high in esteem as it should be and where couples face trials of divorce, I celebrate the fact that NINE years ago today, Jason and I started our married life together. 

I was the last of the Tuke Clan to take the plunge - though only proper since I am the youngest child! Each of my siblings were married the in Logan Temple by my grandfather who was sealer since the dark ages.  Though he had passed on when it was my turn, I was ok with that - because it true Rebecca fashion, we broke with tradition and married in the Salt Lake Temple instead and would have even if he was alive.. we're kinda crazy like that! (Though come to find out, and it makes it alittle more special, my parents were sealed in Salt Lake as well.)  Apparently, I get that stubborn streak from my parentals!

Proposal Night!

Jason and I had a whirlwind romance... meeting in March of 2001, informally engaged by April, formally engaged on June 8th, and then spent the 4 1/2 months of our engagement apart as he was deployed with the Utah Army National Guard to Kuwait. In making our wedding plans, we were originally planned to wed on a day in February, but after being apart for those 4 1/2 months, we decided to move that special day forward and get married one week after his return!  I couldn't bare spending another second without him! Why wait, right?! 

On the day of wedding, Jason was 29 years old and I was 26,  we obviously didn't fall into the usual Utah mold for marriage of ages 19-22.  However, as we both had numerous opportunities for wedded bliss with other people along the way, and in one instance a wedding  cancelled one week before the big day, those decisions were the best we could have made because they led us to each other! It truly makes my heart smile that I married the perfect person for me.  Though there was plenty of heartaches along the way, we treasure our marriage all the more, knowing that we married the person our Heavenly Father intended us to! And ever since, I have been blessed to have a man in my life who understands and overlooks my flaws and who champions my successes!  I have a true partner in crime and a love that resembles and out does any children's story book.

Our eternal family.

Our day was simply beautiful. Though in November, and I always wanting a winter wedding complete with snow, we were blessed with a warm (55 degree temp) day filled with sunshine! It was also filled with love, happiness, and joyful tears. I will never forget those moments - they are burned in heart and in my memory forever.  I am proud to call him my husband and I am proud to be his wife.  And I am so grateful to have the love we started those 9 years ago grow stronger each day and blossom into the beautiful family we have today.  I am grateful for the knowledge that our marriage is for eternity and that I will never have to be without him or my girls - of course, if I do my part to make that happen!  I have such love for my Heavenly Father who created a plan that allows me to hold on to those things in life that are the most precious - my family.  I am grateful that I don't ever have to say a final goodbye. I am indeed a very blessed and very loved woman, and I thank my lucky stars that my life is filled with love and that I wake up each day loving the man next to me.

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 11 Our Military - Active, Retired and Veterans

Always Standing guard for you, for me, for everyone!

As today is Veteran's Day, it seems only natural to share my gratitude to those who serve in our armed forces and those families who support their loved ones everyday. 

So often we take our liberties for granted.  So often we fail to recognize those men and women who sacrifice so much on behalf of freedom.  But I ask, where would we be without these men and women that stand guard EVERYDAY - not just in times of absolute tragedy or war, but everyday? 

My husband, Jason,  has been serving for the past 16 years in the Utah Army National Guard.  He has been deployed twice in our 9 year marriage and is scheduled again for sometime next year. His service has brought our family such pride and it is an honor to be included in such a family of freedom fighters!  

The AH-64 Attack Helicopter, Apache Longbow otherwise known as the WIDOWMAKER.




At times it is scary to think of him flying a machine dubbed the WidowMaker - but it seems only natural that he would choose this as his profession.  Ever since he was a little boy, age 4, he wanted to grow up and fly this helicopter.  It says alot to me about the man he is that he sacrificed his time and energies to fulfill this dream.  He is truly a spectacular human being and I have such adoration for him. Besides, what is sexier than watching your husband fly this massive machine, land and then give his wife a kiss?  I am a lucky lady! Also, I have become rather partial to the Apache seeing as it's job is to "seek and destroy". If my husband insists of being a pilot and serving his country, I don't see why he shouldn't fly the deadliest (to those on the ground of course), heavily armed and fearful aircraft in the sky! 



Jason in his gear poised for battle.


 I am grateful to live in our land of America where the freedoms we have enable us to choose our own life's path. I am grateful for men and women of centuries past who saw the need to be free from tyranny and to create a nation where free agency could reside. 
I am grateful for past president's (Regan, Bush Senior and George W.) who weren't running our country for popularity or for personal gain but to ensure that we held true to the very principals our nation was founded on.  I am grateful that I can go to bed each night and wake up each morning with the feeling of peace in my soul.  I am grateful to be married to a man that has solidified my feelings about my country and has aided me into having a great love for the blessings that can only be found in America.  I am so grateful to have been born and then to live my life under the banner of freedom.  There is not a more beautiful sight that our nation's colors rippling in the wind - for it should remind us all of what our nation stands for, what our men and women fight for and what we should be grateful for everyday.   I am grateful for men like George Wahlen...  
In 2008, Jason had the unique honor of meeting and interviewing one of his heroes, George Wahlen. 

Jason and George (2008)

He was an amazing man. Here is a little history about him...

George Edward Wahlen was born on 8 August 1924 in Ogden, Utah. He enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman in the U.S. Naval Reserve from that state in June 1943 and received recruit training at Naval Training Station, San Diego. Wahlen was promoted to Seaman Second Class in July and received Hospital Corps Training at San Diego. Promoted to Hospital Apprentice First Class in November and Pharmacist's Mate Third Class that December, late in the year he was assigned to the Training Detachment, Field Medical School Battalion, Fleet Marine Force at Camp Elliott, San Diego. In February 1944, Wahlen left for overseas duty with the Fifth Marine Division. In November 1944, while serving in the Pacific, he was promoted to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class.

As a medical corpsman with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, Wahlen participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima. On 26 February 1945, although wounded himself, Wahlen advanced forward of the front lines to help a wounded Marine and assisted casualties in an adjacent platoon, disregarding his own safety amidst concentrated gun and mortar fire. Wounded again on 2 March, he refused to leave the battlefield and on the following day moved with his company across 600 yards of open terrain in the face of heavy fire. He was helping others when he sustained a crippling third wound, but crawled 50 yards to administer aid to another fallen Marine. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life," he was awarded the Medal of Honor. On 5 October 1945 Wahlen was presented with the award by President Harry S. Truman during Nimitz Day ceremonies at the White House.

In December 1945, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Wahlen was discharged from the Navy. He later joined the U.S. Army, served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and retired with the rank of Major. Following his military service, Major Wahlen worked for the Veterans Administration where he remained active until his death two years ago.  Jason was honored with flying in the honorary flight the day of his funeral and it is a memory that will forever be with him. 

Mr. Wahlen was an extradorinary man - our armed forces are full of men whose valor and dedication equal that of Mr. Wahlen.  Most go through life without special recognition - without the applause they deserve - but they do it anyway... In fact, there is a song that captures these thoughts - by Toby Keith: American Solider.. Here are the lyrics, 

I’m just tryin’ to be a father, raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother, everythin’ to everyone
Up and at ‘em bright and early, I’m all business in my suit
Yeah I’m dressed up for success, from my head down to my boots
I don’t do it for money, there’s bills that I can’t pay
I don’t do it for the glory, I just do it anyway
Providing for our future’s, my responsibility
Yeah I’m real good under pressure, being all that I can be
And I can’t call in sick on Mondays when the weekend’s been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready, when the wolf growls at the door
Hey I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey I’m true down to the core.

And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I’ve counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh and I don’t want to die for you, but if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don’t come free.

I’m an American Soldier an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right

I’m out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight
American Soldier, I’m and American, Soldier.

An American Soldier an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right
I’m out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight
American Soldier, I’m an American, an American, an American, Soldier.

Desert News shot this photo at the Yellow Ribbon Ceremony two days prior to Jason deploying to Afghanistan in 2004.  It cuts right to the heart of our family.  I have such love in my eyes for Jason - He stands focused - determined - and ready and sweet Grace, oblivious to the surroundings but happy to be held in the arms of her daddy.  Her holding the flag symbolizes our core.

In my opinion, no matter their station... whether they are mechanics, pilots, HumV drivers, or foot soldiers - each play a role in making our country safe and free.  My heart goes out to those whose serve - my love for their families is strong and absolute - and my prayer is that we will always remember these special individuals that make our lives possible.    THANK YOU doesn't seem sufficient, but my gratitude is yours nonetheless.

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day 10: TECHNOLOGY

As our computer was down this week due to a stupid virus.... I will catch up by naming a few individuals things that qualify under technology that I am thankful for! Though I would never be able to list them all, the ones below are things that really create a convenience for me in my life - so glad I was born now - I wouldn't have been happy about churning butter, washing clothes by hand, or having to hand write all my correspondence... Thank heavens for: 

"Mom, what's a record or cassette tape?"  I love having my nano for those moments that I make it to the gym!  Plugging in so you can tune out.. is bliss!



We've come along way from the candle! What would we do without light - If I wanted that, I would move to Seattle!



Now we can ignore people on the go as well!



Printers!  I would be lost without my printer!



Remote please!  How did people survive having to move off the couch to turn a silly dial!  Whew, so glad that was before my time!  And let's not forget our lovely dish network - now, there's 1000 more channels to surf and pass over.




Oh, our link to the information highway, an entertainment tool for the kids, and a homework necessity!



How else would we check the kiddos homework?  They really don't expect us to use our brain, right?!

DAYS OF GRATITUDE: Day Five: My Sister Gerri!

Gerri with my daughter Grace!

MY SISTER GERRI:
People compose songs about it....artists paint pictures.... photographers take snapshots.... and poets write their lines.... but none of those individuals could truly capture the beauty of having a sister who is truly your best friend.  I am so blessed to have been born into a family that allowed me the opportunity to have Gerri be my sister. 
Gerri and I are three years apart but being the two youngest of the family of six; age never seemed to be an issue for us.  Growing up she was my advocate to the parentals, my protector, my tormentor, my giggle partner, my confidant, and the one person in whom I knew I could always rely upon.  In good times and in bad, in happiness or heartache, she was/is the one that is always by my side. Where most sisters would be-grudge a little sister tagging along - Gerri invited me into her circle.  Where ever she went, I went.  Whatever she did, I did - though it never felt as if I were in her shadow.. it always felt like we were traveling the path side by side. 
 I could never do her justice, but Gerri is the most resilient, dedicated, beautiful woman I know.  She is strong, faithful, genuine and the one woman that I look up to and adore.  She is also VERY stubborn, head strong and full of fire ~ she never backs down from an up hill fight, she protects those she loves, and is off the charts intelligent... all of which make her the complete package!
From the time we were little everyone thought we were twins.  In fact, we often took great humor in switching beds so that we could confuse our mother!  Even today we are asked that same question whenever we are together.  Though some people think we look alike (and we admit we do look like sisters but find it interesting because we are so different) I always take it as a sincere compliment.  I could only hope to be all that she is.  I could only wish to have a fraction of the talent and ability that she holds.  I will forever love her with all my heart and thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to not only have a the best sister in the universe but to also have that same person be my very best, my very true, my very closest friend.  What a blessing she is to me and I will forever be grateful for her in my life.