Memorial Day

I must say that most of my life Memorial Day has just been another holiday -- day off from school or work -- to enjoy with family and friends. Now that Jon is in his second deployment, I view the day a little differently. When our pastor prayed for the military personnel and families yesterday, I knew who he was talking about. Fortunately we do not need to "memorialize Jon" since he is still very much alive, but just under the surface of my independent, calm exterior is the fear of potential danger and loss. I am very fortunate that I can send and receive e-mails from Jon almost every day. And this was the news today -- nothing too dramatic or exciting.

"Well, I left myself plenty of time to sleep last night, but didn't sleep that well, though I'm doing OK for now. It's really frustrating how when I sometimes wake up at night and can't go back to sleep, restless tossing and turning, and then, in the morning when my alarm goes off, I fall asleep over and over and over again between hitting my snooze every four minutes. I guess this is another Murphy's law, the chance of falling asleep is inversely proportionate to the interval before you will have to wake up... Health wise, I'm out of the runny nose phase, now it's all in my head, no cough as yet, I think the headaches I've been having the last two days are sinus related, but none of it is bad enough to slow me down at work, so that is all a real answer to prayer."

Thank you for keeping Jon in your prayers.

Sheryl

We meet Sean

We were able to talk to Jon this morning. He and Joshua had their regular Sunday morning phone conversation and Joshua got to fill his dad in on the party and all his gifts. Then we headed to church.

After church Joshua and I headed down to San Marcos (north San Diego County) to meet Sean Daniel Portacio. He slept most of the time we were there, but he did need a diaper change so we got to hear the cute little squeaks he makes when disturbed from his hours of rest. Joshua was excited to be the first cousin to meet Sean and did a great job of holding him.

Sean hasn't figured out that he's supposed to sleep when its dark out and stay awake when its light, but that will come -- eventually. In the mean time, Sonny and Sandy are starting to get used to the mind-numbing sensation that comes from lack of sleep, but they love it.

After our visit with Sean, Sandy and Sonny, we headed off to do some shopping with the gift cards Joshua received at his birthday party. He was able to purchase a huge Indiana Jones Lego set as well as an Exo-Force Lego set that he has been saving up for. We also stopped at the Mall where I was able to use some gift certificates I have had since my birthday in the fall.

It was a long day, but as Joshua said, "Wow, another great day!" :)

Sheryl

A birthday party

Today Joshua had his 8 1/2 birthday party. Since his actual birthday is December 23, he gets to have a party with his friends in May each year. Once again we had a Tae Kwon Do party at the Black Belt Academy where Joshua does Tae Kwon Do each week. Master Rafael put on a great party with a brief class, breaking boards and lots of games. I provided the pizza, watermelon, cake and pinata full of candy. The 19 kids provided the energy, noise and fun.

My dad and mom are watching Joshua's cousins Evan, Emma and Elena while their parents, Steve and Sandi, are on an Alaskan cruise, so they all came for the party and stayed to go to our pool afterwards. The weather cooperated with the sun coming out and the kids enjoyed a couple hours in the water. Then Evan and Joshua got working on the various Lego kits Joshua had gotten for his birthday.

All in all, it has been a great day.

Sheryl

Awesome news

First a great update from Jon today, "Folks must have really been praying for me, my cold symptoms are gone, after feeling that they might be getting worse just this morning." He went on in his message to give an update on the weather, "Oh, it finally hit the 100's, it was 106 today and is forecast to be above 105 every day this week. Of course, I'm digging it" :) Thank you so much for praying for Jon's health. When you don't get any time off, it is very important to stay healthy. He has now been working over 4 months without a day off.

The other really awesome news is the announcement of the arrival of Sean Daniel Portacio to my sister Sandy and her husband Sonny. They have been in the adoption process for about 2 years and today they are taking Sean home from the hospital. He is one week old and already has his own blog: http://adventuresean.blogspot.com/. You may also want to check out his parents' blog (http://theportacios.blogspot.com/) since that includes great pictures and videos.

We are thrilled to welcome Sean to the Portacio/France family.

Sheryl

Notes from The Front

I got this e-mail from Jon on Sunday:
"The temperatures here are remaining in the 90's, which seems amazing to me, but part of it is due to the dust, which tends to moderate the temperature."

I received this e-mail from Jon today:
"I think I'm coming down with a cold, I woke up this morning with the symptoms, and they've been getting worse all day. Could you please pray for me, I'd appreciate it."

Nothing else to report from The Front. Jon works long hours and probably doesn't get as much sleep as he needs. He definitely doesn't get as much sleep as he wants. Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.

Sheryl

Holy Moses

This past week Joshua participated in the production of "Holy Moses" at our church by the children's choir. He had a short solo in the song "Plague of Plagues." He did a great job during the show and I was so proud of him. A number of parents made videos so I am hoping to get a copy to send to Jon and share with any who would like to see Joshua's dramatic debut. Some of his friends from school came and watched the production as well -- Thanks for coming, Mandy, Dalton, Cole, Rhett, Rebbecca and Eliza.

Sheryl

Mother's Day

Well, the week was busy and time got away from me, so I am just now finishing up my report on Mother's Day last Sunday.

Joshua fixed me a bowl of cereal and brought it to me in bed on a tray. Then he presented me with some wonderful hand-made gifts that communicated not only his love for me but also Jon's, God's and my friends. It was very sweet.

We went to church and then headed to Escondido to my brother Steve's house to meet them and my folks for the beginning of my mom's Mother's Day surprise. We had a delicious lunch that Sandi and Steve fixed for us and then headed to San Diego for a Padre's game. We met up with my sister Sandy and her husband Sonny along with his mom and brother. My sister-in-law Sandi's brother and family were there as well, so we took up a couple rows in the outfield section. It was a nice cool, overcast day, so perfect for sitting outside watching a baseball game. We were a bit late and missed a few scoreless innings, but the rest of the game was quite exciting and we saw the Padre's beat the Colorado Rockies, so that was a great topper.

Jon was unable to call Sunday morning because the phone connection from Iraq is completely blocked due to the heavy calling here in the US that day. But he did get up early Monday morning his time and was able to call me Mother's Day evening. It was a great way to end my special weekend.

Sheryl

The beginning of a wonderful Mother's Day Weekend

I have had a fabulous Mother's Day Weekend. Saturday was a beautiful day in Southern California and Disney's California Adventure was a fun place to be. Since our tickets were a gift ($122 value), it helped take away some of the feeling of urgency to "get the most for my money." We had only been to the park one time before and it was many years ago so we weren't sure where to start or what to do. We wondered around, found a few rides that both Joshua and I wanted to ride on, toured the tortilla factory and bakery, had lunch and then discovered the Animation Studios. We attended four sessions where different artists taught us how to draw Disney Characters. Here is Joshua's sketch of Pooh. We also sketched Donald Duck, Goofy and Tigger. Joshua couldn't get enough of it so we just kept going back. The Animation Studios also had other interactive activities like doing a voice-over for a cartoon clip. We sang with Baloo and Mogli, the Seven Dwarf, the Lion King characters -- it was a blast. We ended the day at the Alladin live performance which is quite a show -- in true Disney style. We were at the park for about 10 hours and we both had an outstanding time together.

There's more to come...

Sheryl

Military Spouse Day -- May 9, 2008

I just got this message (below) through my Marine Corps Key Volunteer. I didn't know there was such a thing, but this week it is a bit encouraging to think the President George Bush took a few moments to recognize and honor the spouses' part in the military service. Joshua has been sick again. Tuesday I kept him home from school because he complained of a headache, nausea and had a stuffed up nose. I figured he'd be back in school on Wednesday, but that afternoon he started rubbing his eye and by bed time I realized he had pink eye. Both eyes were red and stuck with discharge in the morning. Fortunately we got an appointment with his doctor and started eye drops and antibiotics by midday. Oh, and while at the check up the doctor discovered that Joshua had an ear infection. Oops! He had complained about his ear Monday night, but said it hurt on the outside. I couldn't see anything on the outside of the ear so chalked it up to sleeping on it funny. So Joshua will be home one more day from school so he doesn't pass this infection on to his friends. This week was pretty slow for me (only had to miss 4 appointments) to stay home with him for three days. Hopefully we'll celebrate Joshua's health by going to California Adventure (the "other" Disney amusement park in Anaheim) on Saturday. A woman in our mobile home park gave us 2 free passes that have to be used this weekend. It should be a fun change of pace after being home most of the week.

Sheryl

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children
alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.

On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH