A Tribute from a Soldier

I have been truly blessed; and have so much to be grateful for. Since returning home I have experienced some great moments as a soldier. I was pondering what my Memorial Day would be like this year, I wasn’t expecting to be home in time for it. As the circumstances played out, I was home prior to Memorial Day; what to do for my holiday was made easy, the first flight from my unit would arrive home on Memorial Day. What a wonderful experience for both soldiers and families. By the following Thursday night, my entire battalion had returned home and been reunited with their families. This was quite an experience for me to be on the welcoming home side of these homecomings, but I relished every minute of it. Wednesday was by far my favorite day, this was the day that I was there to welcome my own squad and platoon home. I apologize to the families of my soldiers if I slowed the soldiers’ movement from jet-side to your side. It was a bit of a trial to be in a leadership position and not have the opportunity to bring my men home; but I enjoyed seeing them disappear in the arms of their families. It was also exciting to see most of the wives in Sandie’s FRG reunited with their husbands.
The Battalion was phenomenal in performing their duties in Iraq. Utah can be proud of her soldiers. So many good things were accomplished there in Iraq because of the dignity and honor that this Battalion lent to our specific missions. This is not just because of the caliber of soldier these men are; but the caliber of loving family and friends that support these soldiers individually and collectively.
Memorial Day is the day that we honor our Veterans and Service Members, those still living, those passed on, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. As a service member, it is humbling to even consider standing amongst such great contributors to freedom. I am so honored to serve such a wonderful nation of outstanding citizens. So much, in fact, that I would like to honor and express my appreciation for all of you who have done so much for us, because we soldiers are so grateful and fortunate to have such beautiful people in our lives.
Sandie’s friend, Corrine, writes in her blog the top things that she is grateful for; I thought I would borrow that idea (hope you don’t mind, Corrine). I will try to keep it simple, because this is only a glimpse:
· Girl Scout cookies; Samoas and Thin Mints
· Care packages, no matter how big or small
· Christmas cards, they mean a lot more now
· Letters and cards, mailcall is always the best time of the day
· Scouts and neighbors putting out their flags to welcome a soldier home
· Friends and neighbors sneaking over to shovel the snow for Sandie
· Visiting Teachers and Home Teachers
· The Hugging Kissing Grandmas at DFW Airport
· WWII, Korea, Vietnam, & Desert Storm Vets who thanked us (it is them we owe our thanks) at DFW Airport
· The Girl Scouts and Church Groups who woke up at 0300 to travel to DFW Airport to welcome home soldiers from Iraq at 0700
· Girl Scout cookies, again, how can you say “no”
· American Airlines’ Pilots
· American Legion and the VFW
· First-Class airline passengers trying to give you their seats
· The girls of the FRG (Family Readiness Group) Snow capped Mountains
· Snow capped Mountains

· The Patriot Guard Riders
· My nephew requesting me for “show and tell”
· The “Cousins”
· Family
· Mom and Dad
· Two Awesome little boys

· One amazing Wife

Thank you to every one, we love and appreciate you all so much.

My Next Big Adventure

After a very busy week of welcoming Levi home and all of the boys adjusting, then working the last three days, I have a little time to focus on my next adventure. A girls weekend away is just what I need. Before I go on, let me just say, working 3 days in a row is really hard. I know, lots of you work every day, and I sound like a really big whiner. And, I know lots of people from work read this and probably work 3 days in a row all the time, again making me sound like a really big whiner. I however, do not. I think I do it about once a year. I forget that getting up at 0515 every morning and heading off to work in the dark 3 days in a row can be very tiring. Then being at work for the next 12 hours. Then, throw in one of the busiest, craziest days I have ever had. Then feeling really lucky to have worked with an incredible staff on that crazy, busy day. Then, maybe you can understand a little. And, don't worry, I won't be offended if lots of eyes are being rolled as you read this. To be honest, I'm rolling my own eyes. I have now reminded myself to stop whining. So, moving on.

On a brighter note, lets talk about the girls weekend. I am lucky enough to get to do this 2 or 3 times a year. I go with my cousins, and somehow, we all married really great guys who support this adventure. (It never hurts to throw in a comment to make them feel better about us leaving them with the children for 4 days.) From the second we schedule the next one, I am starting my countdown. I have decided this is how I keep my sanity. It is how I make it through the days that I want to run away but can't. Seriously, I am not the only one who has those days, right. Speaking of brighter, above is the forecast for St. George, making the thought of going even better! (It's currently pouring at my house.)

So here is to my weekend. Here is to my husband, who even though he has only been home for a week, said "go and have a great time, you deserve it". Here is to my "friends" who I can't wait to spend the weekend with. And here is to shopping, eating, scrapbooking, SLEEPING IN, pedicures, maybe a movie, sitting by the pool, staying up until 3am and then sleeping in, diet coke runs, a little more shopping, and did I mention sleeping in?!

At the time of this post, I have 78hrs and 56min until we leave!

The Story

Monday 2100 (9pm for nonmilitary timers):

I get a phone call from Levi. "I think I'll be home tomorrow."

Me: "You think?"

Levi: "Like a 99% chance, probably around 1900 (7pm) ".

So, to me, that's a pretty good chance. I start to panic. Seriously, less than 24 hours notice. Just another reason why women should run the army. ;) My biggest stress was whether or not the scouts could get the flags set up in time. I call my bishop and he says no problem. I was so grateful. This was the one thing I wanted to do the most for Levi's homecoming. Because I don't have any details, I don't really call anyone else. I just sit at the counter and try not to totally freak out. You know, just a little overwhelming.

Tuesday 0720: My morning starts early and the phone calls never stop. My mom calls at 0730 to help me plan. Levi was kind enough to call his family which helped take a little pressure off of me. I wait until after 0900 and then start sending text messages and calling my the rest of my family. I have already been to the grocery store and taken the kids to school. I got lucky, and my niece Val stayed overnight. So, I got the rest of my list together and headed out the door. To my surprise, everyone I call is able to come to the airport. This is fabulous news and the support of our family and friends is incredible. Levi is coming home with only 3 other soldiers. I figured I needed to get the civilian troops to the airport to welcome them home.

Tuesday 1815 (615pm) After a day of anticipation, it was time for the boys and I to leave and head to the airport. As we were leaving, the scouts and their leaders arrived to set up the flags. We were ready as we could be.

We arrived at the airport at 1915 and lucky we were early, because so was Levi. He arrived 10 minutes early. Seeing him walk out of the terminal was incredible. We cheered and clapped. The boys couldn't run fast enough and Levi scooped them both up in his arms. It would make anyone cry. It is incredible feeling to know we won't have to say goodbye again! Because Levi was early, only us and the Gardner clan made in time to see him walk out. The rest of our group was not far behind. Levi's family and the rest of my family made it in the next few minutes and we had a great reunion at the airport.

After a little more time, some of us headed over to our house for icecream sundaes and a little more celebration time. The boys quickly adjusted to Levi being there and then headed downstairs to play wii with the many kids that joined the party. Levi's family traveled far and we so grateful they were able to stay and hang with us for a little while. The atmosphere at the house was so fun and relaxed. And loud! I forget that Levi doesn't have an inside voice.

Luke ended the night for us with complaint of a headache and nausea. The next thing we knew he was puking (sorry, I know no one wants to read that). I had to laugh to myself when I found Levi standing in the doorway of the bathroom saying "it's ok Luke". I guess he forgot that when your 6 year old is doing that, he needs someone to wipe a cold washcloth on his face and someone to hold his head. It's good to know Luke still needs his mom, and also good to know that Levi will need a little (ok, a lot) retraining.

Finally, I (we) just want to say thanks to everyone that came. I know it wasn't easy to make it on such short notice, but we are so grateful to all of you. So many of you showed up and a few of you had a 2 hour drive, it means more to us then you will ever know! Gardner Fam, thanks for the gift card, the mint brownies (they were a huge success), and just for being there. Brit, thanks for taking over the camera!!! T, thanks for making it up their and for the posters.

Amazingly, this is the short version.

P.S. Jane delivered a healthy baby girl at 1722(522 pm) yesterday. She weighs 6 lbs 4 oz and is 19 inches long. Her name is Lillian Elaine aka "Lilly" and she is gorgeous. Jane and Lilly are doing great. As soon as I get some pics, I'll post them for you to see.

Good News

Just a quick post to let everyone know about our great news. Levi is coming home tonight and not just for a visit. With less than 24 hours notice, we have an arrival date and time. Such great news, but I am running around like a crazy woman, so, this is all you get for now.

Well, on with the planning, crafting, cleaning, pulling my hair out, and if I'm lucky, I may get a shower today.

P.S. This is a big day for the Miller family. Jane is currently at the hospital being induced and my mom has a retirement celebration with her school district. Love you all!

P.P.S. Did you notice I hit 1200 visits today. When the heck did that happen?!

A Night Out

I was eating dinner last night with a great group of women, when the couple sitting next to us asked if we were all related. There were 10 of us. At first, I was surprised they asked us that. Was it that obvious? Then I realized many of us laugh alike, we bicker like sisters and still talk to each other after, we share our thoughts, our triumphs, our struggles and many of our fears. I often forget when I get together with my cousins that we know each other because we are related. It wasn't a relationship we chose, it was one we were born into. A few years ago we saw each other a few times a year, and then, we threw a scrapbooking get together. I have to admit, I was a little stressed about it. I mean, what would I talk to these people about? I didn't really know them, they didn't know me. It could be a long day. We had planned for a 12-14 hour day.

That was the start to incredible friendships. I have learned more about these women then I have ever thought possible. We have different ideals, beliefs, thoughts on raising our children and our husbands, some of us work, some of us stay home, some have teens and some have infants. But it doesn't matter what our situation, we can all find something to talk and most importantly laugh about. There is never a dull moment. I love that I can hang with so many chics and not feel as though I being judged by any of them. It is such an openminded group, I can't say how incredible I think that is! I learn so much from each of you. I think that is what I love about all of you the most. I never feel like I have to prove myself or who I am to any of you. You just plain know me already. So, thanks for a great night. We couldn't have had a better reason to celebrate!!!

New Computer (Sort of)

We took Levi to the airport today. Although it won't be for too long, it still hard to say goodbye, especially since we still have no idea when he will be home. But, at least we got to see him. Most families haven't had that chance. So, I am grateful for the time we were able to see him and we look forward to seeing him again!

Much to my delight, he left his laptop home with me. I am so excited about this, because I can't wait to dive into digital scrapbooking and getting my pictures organized. I'm sure this was not his intention when he purchased the computer, but none the less, I figure it can have multiple functions. Wahoo for me!!! I have quickly adjusted to windows Vista and I am getting set to go.

On top of that, I even set up the wireless router with our modem. I know, to many of you this seems easy and has a "duh" factor to it, but for me, it was an accomplishment. As I sit at the kitchen counter typing (yes, the kitchen counter, it is sooooooooo fabulous), I can't wait to get started. Maybe one of these days I will be able to figure out how to crop and edit my pictures before putting them up for all of you to view. Well, a girl can dream, can't she!

And for your viewing pleasure, a picture of the one of the boys so you don't get bored. Yes, I know this is what you come to the site for, I would hate to disappoint! This is Cort, getting ready to do some muttin-bustin. It's an oldie but a goodie.

I do everything around here!!!

Me: "Luke, put your homework, backpack, and jacket away."

Luke: "You do it."

Me: "No Luke, they are your things, you need to do it.

Luke: (crying) "Mommmmmmmm, pleassssssse. I don't want to do it" he says this as he is holding it all in his hands.

Me: "No Luke. Please take care of it."

Luke: (still crying, but now it's a lot) "Mommmm, I do everything around here. I have to pick up my toys (sob), I have to pick up my clothes (more sobbing), and now I have to put my stuff away (sob, cry, sob)."

Me: (surprisingly calm) "Luke, I was about to do the dishes. I have to unload the dishwasher and fill it with these dirty dishes."



Apparently I have his attention, there is a little less crying.



Me: "I'll tell you what, I'll trade you. I will put your stuff away if you will do the dishes. Totally up to you bud, I won't be mad. You can choose."



No more crying and Luke walks away with his backpack and jacket, and puts them away. Now I'm thinking I got the bad end of the deal.

Saying Thanks

If you've checked Matti's blog, you'll know I got the idea from her, but I couldn't help doing the same.

In case you didn't know, it is National Nurses Week. Being a Labor and Delivery nurse is one of the most challenging and rewarding things in my life. The ups and downs of L and D are amazing. Having a baby is a moment in a woman's life that is never forgotten. For most this is an incredibly joyous and exciting time. For those few, it is scary, sad, and even a somber moment. I am blessed to have experienced all of these moments with my patients, both happy and sad. But even more so, I am blessed to work with incredible women (I can say this, because we have no male RN's on our unit).

Being a RN takes dedication, patience (a lot), love of what you do, teamwork, quick thinking, passion, kindness, being able to laugh at yourself and most importantly, the ability to remain calm under pressure. On top of this, you make incredible friends. Friends you would literally trust in a life and death situation. Friends you trust with secrets. Friends you have cried with. Friends you have laughed so hard with, you have cried. Friends that have your back at work and outside of work. Friends you know will respond when you call.

So, thank you to all of the women I work with. Thank you for making work a great place to go. Thank you for being such an incredible group of RN's. Thank you for playing on the team!!! I am honored to work with you! I can't imagine being anywhere else.

And to all of the nurses I know, thank you. You all know there isn't a clinic, unit, or hospital that could function without you!

If you know a nurse, say thank you, one day she may save your life!

I've Been Tagged

I was tagged about a week ago by Steph, but I am just getting to it. You can say it, I'm a slacker (refer to #5). I'm supposed to divulge 7 things you may not know about me. I've trying to come up with 7 interesting things, but have failed. So, you get to read 7 boring things. Here goes!

1. I love most types of music. The radio, CD player, or IPOD is constantly on in my house. When I walk in the door, the first thing I do is turn on something (well, sometimes I have to make my way to the ladies room first), but I digress. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I will flip on the clock radio, if I am sleeping with a house full of people, I will usually put my headphones in to go to sleep. I 100% hate when the radio and the tv are on at the same time!!! My kids do this quite frequently.

2. I hate exercising. I know it is good for me, I even know it is great for me. None the less, I hate it, but am currently trying to do it 5 times a week. GRRRRR. Trying to change my attitude about it.

3. Hearing one of my kids "belly" laugh is my favorite sound. There is nothing like hearing one of your own children laugh that hard. It makes anyone around them smile. I can't stop grinning when I hear it!

4. I am not an animal lover. I grew up thinking I was, but then I moved out of my parents and had no animals. The thought of a dog, cat, bunny, hamster, fish, turtle, snake, or any other type of creature coming into my house gives me anxiety. I know with 2 boys (really 3, if you count Levi) I may have to adjust to this, but I am holding strong for now. I would, however, take horses if I had a place to put them.

5. I procrastinate. Ok, you may know this about me, I mean it isn't hard to figure out. Enough said.

6. I detest mice and rats. This doesn't seem unusual, but I can't even watch the movie Ratatouille. It makes me sick. I saw it in the theater with my boys and had to cover my eyes several times. Just thinking about it makes my stomach turn. We do not own that movie, and I think it should be taken off the market. Anyone up for a boycott?

7. I have been humbled. With Levi being gone this past year, I have had to ask for help more than I have ever thought possible. I have found the importance of incredible family who probably know my kids as well as they do their own. My mom probably feels like she is raising them. People in my neighborhood have taken my kids under their wings, and have helped me. Things around my house have been maintained and repaired before I even knew they needed it. Although, I thought I already knew how much my friendships mean to me, I have been reminded often how much I need all of you. A dinner out or a simple phone call has saved me more than any of you could know. So, thank you, and before I start crying, I will wrap this up.

I now tag Leigh, Lori, Tara, Mom, Heather S., Markay