9/11 Not just another remembrance post - My own words are inadequate

There are millions of blogs today devoted entirely to the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country on 9/11.

I've already seen many videos,  FB posts asking to be reposted, news programs,  and special documentaries.  There is an endless variety of information to soak in regarding that awful, awful day.

For me to post any of those things out there in the mainstream seems silly since it will likely be something you've already seen or read.

Instead I'm linking to two blogs of gentleman whom I respect a great deal.  One I've never met IRL - but there is something about his wit, his humor and now, reading his last post, his background, that tells me he is a person worth knowing as a friend and learning a great deal from.

The LG Report

He was THERE kids.  First hand knowledge.  Sharing his experience via the written word is compelling, humbling, and drives me to my knees in gratitude for good people everywhere and for the safety and well being of me and mine.  You need to experience this.

The second is a buddy from work.  A trusted friend.  A sci-fi writer whose intelligence leaves me standing with my mouth open catching flies most of the time.  I knew he served in the Army, we talk military sometimes, he hangs a flag outside of  his cubical.  I now understand why.  9/11 did for him what it did for a lot of us, but he had the gonads to take it step further and do something about it.

B Torgerson

As I said, Brad is super intelligent and with my all-lacking knowledge of sci-fi, I generally don't get half the stuff he writes about.  But knowing him IRL, I see the genuine thing.  The man who wants to do something for his country.  The man that was inspired to extend himself beyond mediocrity.


Read them both won't you please?  Brad's is a quick read.  You'll gain an appreciation of all the heroes who called their recruiting offices in the days and weeks after the horrific attacks.  His words will help you understand at a new level why and how hard it was.

LG's is gonna take some time.  MAKE THE TIME.  You will be right there in lower Manhattan when the first plane strikes.  You will hear, smell, visualize and FEEL what occurred.  It will humble you.  You will be moved.  You will want to reach through the computer and hug those people. 

On this most sacred day, and yes I will use the word sacred, I hope and pray that every single American will take the day, not just a moment or a few hours to watch the documentary that a news program is airing, but take the whole damn day to remember. 

Remember where you were, what you felt, who was with you.  Let the anxiety come back for a little bit because, we are no means done with Al-Qaida.  Cry.  Cry some more.  Gather your loved ones and thank your God (in whichever form you believe) that you are here.  Plead with Him to bless those who lost their lives.  To let them know we will never forget them.   Beg Him to comfort those left behind  with the peace that life goes on after death and we CAN and WILL be with our loved ones again.  Pray for the strength in yourself to always remember and honor.

I believe the best way we can honor is continue the example of kindness, bravery, selflessness and camaraderie that was so abundant that day in NYC, Washington DC and Shanksfield, PA.

Let us look out for one another.  Pray for one another.  Be a little kinder.  A little more understanding.  And above all be more patriotic.  We live in the best country on this entire planet.  We are a blessed people to be here with the freedoms that we have.  May we honor this privilege more.  Fly our flags, thank our troops, become educated on the changing political winds and exercise our right to vote.

Love God, our families and our Country.

God Bless you my friends and family....... and God Bless America!

My annual Mother's Day Gift list

I have a fantastic family that are kind and good to me every day of the year, but on this special weekend, I like to give them a little extra help.  You know - make their lives a little easier.  'Cause that's the kind of Momma I am.

I thought about just going and registering at Target and then giving them all the little cards that you throw in the wedding invites to let them know I was registered there (my girlfriend totally did this for her 40th BD- genius!)  but instead, I have other things that may not be found at Target so back to the list we go.

Speaking of Target, I would be happy with one of these

(gift card)

I do need some new clothes pretty bad and am happy to buy them at the Tarjay

Or one of these that you can find here

at $199.99 - it's a great deal if you all go in together and they are very highly rated Splenda Daddy.

So that I can store one of these, that you can read all about here

http://www.vincelewis.net/womansgun.html

I'm sure we can find a good deal on one at a local dealer or through the catelog that we were looking at the other night.

I would be happy with a trip to

Knowing I prefer to go week 10 (in March), I am happy to wait, if I just had the promise that I was going

In case you forgot how to book our villa - CLICK HERE

I realize that these are some big ticket items and everyone is tight these days, so if they are just too much financially for you all, I would be just as thrilled if you all were home Sunday for dinner and brought me some of these:

And there you have it.  My wish list for 2011 Mother's day - Totally reasonable right?  Right???

No?..... who said Mom had to be reasonable anyway.

te amo mi familia!

Veteran's day Tribute and a Marine (recruit) update

Today has been a little emotional.  Okay, maybe a lot.  I've read and watched beautiful and moving tributes honoring veterans all day via blogland and facebook.  I've been touched by the thoughts and feelings of respect shown towards the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms and serve their fellow Americans.  A common phrase I have read is "A veteran is one who signed a blank check for their country".  I think that is very appropriate.  Some checks were extremely large.  Years of service that called them away from their families for long, extended periods of time, injured bodies, fallen friends, loss of peace of mind and lifetimes of physical and mental challenges.  Some signed blank checks that ended up being the sum of their entire accounts.  Their very lives.  And, at the time of their "signing", they had no idea what their total would end up being.  It was indeed a blank check.  That thought humbles me.  Immensely.  To the point that I have thought about my post all day long and can't quite find the right words.  Every time I try to, I cry.  Forming words in my head doesn't happen, instead my heart just swells with love and respect.  Pure and unadulterated admiration.  I think that is the only tribute I can give via my blog.  My real tribute comes in living worthy of their sacrifices.  Every day.  Appreciating my freedoms.  Being involved in the welfare of my country.  As was said to Private Ryan in Spielberg's  "Saving Private Ryan":   'James.......earn this......earn it'.
My tribute will be much more than just today, it will be the rest of my life attempting to 'earn it'.  To deserve the freedoms that I have. 

Got a letter from 'dawg yesterday.   This very day, at sunrise, he will have earned his Eagle, Globe and Anchor and the PRIVILEGE of calling himself a Marine.  Of course, the minute I woke up, I was thinking about him.  Knowing he was climbing that last mountain.  How was he doing?  Did he need to be helped?  Did he help someone else?  Literally, as I was waking in the pre-dawn hours, he was finishing his Crucible.  He's been on my mind all day long.  I can't wait to hear all about it.  I know it will have been a life changing event that he will never forget.  Veteran's day will now ALWAYS be a day of remembrance for our family.  For ever more.  How fitting that he completes the final test on Veteran's day.   I see no coincidences in life.  It's for a reason. 

Actually got 3 envelopes from MCRD yesterday.  I would rather post them now, than wait for Monday.
The first was an envelope from the branch missionary couple serving there.  It was a flier with information about the Family Day Luncheon and a handwritten note in the side margin:
"What a fine young son you have.  He has been a great prayer leader.  We look forward to meeting you."
Well, Elder and Sister Griffith's, we look forward to meeting you too!

The second contained a quick note and a pink receipt:
MOMMA & DAD -
ATTACHED TO THIS IS MY TAX WRITE OFF DONATION SHEET. I AM DONATING $5 EACH PAYCHECK TO THE GREAT DADS FOUNDATION.  PLEASE FILE THIS AWAY SAFELY  DAD  : )

5 DOLLARS IS EQUIVALENT TO A MEAL AND I FIGURE IT'S A GREAT CHARITY TO HELP STRUGGLING SINGLE FATHERS.

THANKS MOM & DAD
LOVE YOU GUYS!
SEE YOU THURSDAY!!
-RECRUIT CATMULL
'SEMPER FI'

The third envelope had our real letter:

DEAR FAMILY!

AIGHT.  AIGHT.  SO.

WHAT'S GOOD??  I GOTTA START BY SAYING SORRY MOM AND DAD.  I WAS THRILLED TO CALL YOU GUYS, BUT I LITERALLY HAD A DRILL INSTRUCTOR RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I CALLED YOU BOTH SO I HAD TO STAY STRICTLY BUSINESS AND I HAD TO MAINTAIN MY BEARING, BUT !!  I WAS SO HAPPY TO JUST HEAR YOUR GUYS' VOICES : )

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HANDLING SO MUCH AT HOME FOR ME, IT'S REALLY HELPING ME STAY STRESS FREE HERE!  WE FINISHED OUR FINAL PFT LAST WEEK!  OUR PLATOON TOOK 1ST! : )  I DID SO WELL.  I IMPROVED MY STATS LIKE CRAZY FROM THE START OF B.C. TIL NOW.

IST (INITIAL STRENGTH TEST)
PULL UPS - 8
3 MILE RUN - 21:45
CRUNCHES IN 2 MINUTES - 87

FINAL PFT
PULL UPS - 16
3 MILE RUN - 18:40
CRUNCHES IN 2 MINUTES - 115

I WAS IN GOOD SHAPE TO START, BUT I'M IN GREAT SHAPE NOW : )

I'M IN CHURCH RELAXING RIGHT NOW.  IT'S BEEN A GOOD WEEK.  WE HAD OUR COMPANY COMMANDERS INSPECTION YESTERDAY (ASK THE COLONEL ABOUT THE STRESS OF IT) HA  HA   I DID WELL.  MY UNIFORM WAS PERFECT.  I LOVE LOOKING FRESH.  I AM PRETTY GOOD AT LOOKING GOOD  HAHAHAHAH  J/K    I TAKE LOTS OF PRIDE IN MY UNIFORM THOUGH.

I AM ABOUT TO HEAD OFF FOR THE CRUCIBLE AFTER CHURCH.  I AM SO FRICKIN EXCITED.  THE FINAL TEST.  THE LAST THING I HAVE TO DO.  IT'S SUNDAY AND ON THURSDAY.....I WILL BE A UNITED STATES MARINE!!! : )
AHHHHHH  ....

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS.  WE ARE GONNA HAVE SO MUCH FUN WHEN I LEAVE HERE

ANOTHER QUICK UPDATE.  MY MOS HAS BEEN MADE OFFICIAL.  I AM 2100 GROUND ORDNANCE TECHNICIAN.  I AM THE GUY WHO MAKES, TESTS AND WORKS IN THE PRODUCTION OF WEAPONS AND GROUND WEAPONRY AND EQUIPMENT. (AS FAR AS I KNOW)  IT'S CRAZY HOW MUCH THINGS CAN CHANGE.  I'M JUST HERE TO SERVE SO WHEREVER THEY PUT ME IS WHERE I WILL WORK HARD AT.

I WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT IT SOON I AM SURE.  I WILL EXPLAIN IT ALL WHEN I SEE YOU GUYS NEXT WEEK! : )

PLEASE WRITE  BACK TO THIS SO I CAN HAVE MY MAIL DURING MARINE WEEK AND LET ME KNOW THE LATEST AND WHAT THE PLANS ARE AND ETC.  HA HA

I LOVE & MISS YOU GUYS
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU NEXT WEEK
HAVE A GREAT WEEK
- RECRUIT CATMULL
'SEMPER FI'

I think this might be the last letter we actually get from him.  He usually writes on Sunday's and then we get it Wednesday, but next Wednesday we'll all be on our way to him.  I'm getting one last one off in the morning so he does have something to read during Marine week, and then I will wait patiently for Thursday.  What if I can't help myself and run across the field and jump into his arms and hug him?  Think that will earn me some IT?  (incentive training).  Guess I better work on my self-restraint between now and then eh?

Until then, I'm off to google what his new MOS is and see how I am going to feel about that.  Is it sad that my biggest fear is that it will mean he will go to school in CA and not in NC?  I was looking forward to a trip to the east coast : )

Happy Veteran's day - I hope you had an opportunity to show your appreciation to a veteran
and to my new Marine family........
Semper Fi
from the latest Marine Mom to join the ranks.

Best Birthday weekend EVER!

Okay, maybe saying EVER is stretching it, after all, I've had 44 birthday's now so chances are, while this was a great one, I've had some other pretty nice ones too.  My 40th was pretty memorable.  I'll have to do a memory post on that one day.  It was pretty bomb

It started Wednesday night when Sissy came over.  Her Mom went on a long camping trip and since it was our weekend anyway, she just came a little early.  And even though I spent Thursday working, she is still highly amusing.

(wook Mimi, I'm a runner)

On Friday, Splenda, Luka and I all took the day off work.  One of Luka's besties got married and we were invited to his temple sealing, the luncheon and then of course the reception.  All of which was absolutely beautiful.

(the ceremony was at the Salt Lake Temple- one of the most beautiful buildings ever)

(the reception was held at Hidden Falls at Thanksgiving Point.  Stunningly beautiful and once Sissy saw the candy bags - she was in it for the evening)

(Luka did NOT want to go catch the garter, but no one would leave him alone about it.  So h was a good sport. Thank heavens he didn't catch it!)

Then Saturday was the big Tri event.  No more about that right now, the post is coming, waiting on a few pictures.

After some down time just chillaxing and letting Sissy nap, we headed out to the Texas Roadhouse for a bd dinner.  Good family times.  I have the best.  THE BEST!

(who needs a straw?  not her!)

(the fam)

(shark face)

(can you tell she is the center of attention and beyond BELOVED by the men in our family?)

(loving Unco Wook - even when he tries to do a mad face)

(never let the boy have your camera cause he'll just start snapping random stuff)

(poppa with his two favorite girls!)

After dinner, Luka took me to the movie.  Just us.  He told everyone else that they were invited, but they had to buy their own tickets.  He was treating just me.  Let's just say this:  Me + Luka + Will Farrell = Night of laughing my face off.  I'm still giggling about it   It's totally random, and some of the one-liners are hysterical. For sure go see "The Other Guys".

Sunday was of course more down time, we churched, we napped, we watched a movie, we had cake and ice cream.

And let the record show that in addition to the most wonderful family, I have the best friends in the world.  More gifts, and notes, and shout out's than a girl deserves.  I appreciate every single one of them!  I was so spoiled rotten!

Thanks everyone for such a great birthday, I think I am prepared to embrace 44.  Maybe.

Memorial day Weekend Movie Marathon and other Memorial day thoughts

I don't know about  you, but ever since Spielberg did a film about WWII, Memorial day hasn't been the same for me.  I consider it more than just a day of remembrance.  More than just making the trek to two different cemeteries in two different cities to remember mine and Splenda's dads with flowers.  More than an opportunity to have a picnic, barbecue, party.  More than the unofficial kick off to summer with camping, boating or other getaways.

No.  For me, it's much much more.  And now that we are becoming part of the Marine family, the purpose of the holiday is even more apparent to me.  This guy did a great post about it as well.  His post is short and to the point.  Take a second to read it.

Memorial day is the day to not just remember those in our circle of family and friends who have passed on but to REMEMBER and ACKNOWLEDGE and EXPRESS GRATITUDE to those who died in the service of our country and who serve now. 

The big holiday weekend is fast approaching.  Every blogger I know within 200 miles of Utah seems to be coming in for the big Casual Blogger Conference.  I am one of the few who made a choice not to attend.  Now don't get me wrong, I think it's a great way to network if that's your thing.  Sadly, it's not mine.  And although there are some VERY cool women who will be there that I would like either see again or to meet IRL, I couldn't see myself using this special holiday weekend for it.  No judging  of those who are going...... please understand that.  It's just not my thing.

Instead, we will have Sissy starting early tomorrow morning until Monday night.  First off - how great is that?  A long weekend with my love.    Secondly, the Marine's in the valley are doing a special event for all the current poolee's and their families.  I can't think of a better thing to do.  Thirdly, I am a woman of tradition.  There is a movie I have to watch every single Memorial Day.  Every year.  Without fail.  And now, I have a second movie to add to that tradition.  What are they?

Saving Private Ryan

I remember the first time I saw this film.  A buddy and I left work for a few hours the day it premiered and walked to the theater down the street.  There were few people since it was the middle of the day.  The only other ones in the theater were vets.  In their hats, jackets or other memorabilia signifying their service.  I remember munching on popcorn and laughing.  The lights went down, the film started and I didn't make another move for about 3 hours.  I have never been the same.  I cannot look at the flag and not feel something deep, deep inside.   I can't see someone in a military uniform or camo's without being stirred.
I remember telling Splenda that he needed to see it.  We went to a late showing a few nights later.  The theater was packed.  People were eating popcorn, slurping their cokes and noisily digging in their raisinet boxes.  I remember looking around them and thinking, "you have no idea what's coming".    And once again, the lights went down, the film began and not another sound was heard.  With the exception of sobbing.
As soon as it became available on DVD I purchased it.  I'm picky about what rated R films I own, but this was a must.  I allowed my sons to watch it.  We did together.  We talked about it.  We felt gratitude for so many brave men and all that they went through to protect us and save our freedoms.  It instilled patriotism in the Cat house at a whole new level.

Since then, it's been a tradition to pull that DVD out at this time of year, and at some point in the weekend, watch it and be reminded and feel grateful again.

Now with 'dawg taking the path he is, the military, particularly the Marine's, and all that they do has become forefront on my mind.  On my BFC's recommendation, we purchased Taking Chance.  'dawg and I watched it.  It took me several hours to process it all.  I needed to see it again, and I needed to see all the special features that are on the DVD.

So, last weekend, Splenda and I had rented The Hurt Locker (war movies are high on our rotation now).  It won the Oscar for best picture.  Meh. 

We then watched Taking Chance and all the special features.

Now THAT was Best Picture.  It's now made it to the list of traditions that will need to be watched this special holiday weekend.  It instills a feeling of patriotism that is hard to describe.  To think my son will soon one day be in Afghanistan and likely facing the same dangers, it humbles me.  It makes me proud of him and every other man and woman who chooses to devote a period of their life (sometimes their whole career) to serving, defending and protecting our sacred freedoms.

So as you go about your long holiday weekend, I hope you'll take a few hours and watch one, the other or both of the films I mentioned in between your parties and get togethers..   If you've seen them before, renew that feeling of patriotism and gratitude.  If you haven't, you won't be disappointed.  And I'd love to hear what you think.

Happy Memorial Day weekend.

God bless our troops!

Semper Fidelis and..................   OORAH!

Christmas at Temple Square - lazy girl style

It's just so cold. SO COLD! And the idea of walking around oohing and aaahing over the lights, bumping into people, having my ankles nailed over and over AND OVER AGAIN by strollers behind me was just too much. Sure, it's tradition. Sure, it's a wonderful way to get the Christmas Spirit going. But I'm just not interested in any of that this year. For reals. None of it.

So when Tuffy mentioned he, his GF and a group of others were going, I sent my camera and told him to make me enjoy the experience.

This is Santa playing the bagpipes

Very beautiful, but I am disappointed that there are no pictures of the boy and his friends, even though I SPECIFICALLY asked for them. Whatever. At least now, I don't have to make the cold trip myself.

Thanks Tuffy!

Halloween 2009

The holiday started a little early with a work potluck and a chance to show off our kids. Little Miss Sissy was Buzz Lightyear.

Of course I have great co-workers who put together little fun bags of goodies for the kids.
Evil Genius and her cute bag of fun

Saturday Sissy came over for a little bit to trick or treat to some of Mimi and Poppa's friends.

And we do trick or treating the right way - riding the 4 wheeler!
Sissy had a great time! I love little kids and their cute costumes.

I DON'T like the scary stuff, and this was the scariest thing I saw all weekend.....
The Russian Gymnast (AKA Lance) - he/she was dancing, and twirling his/her way around the office. Every year is wonder of what he will come up with next!