Stomach flu and CT Scan

Jon wrote this morning with this news. Please pray that Jon will stay healthy and that the Marines with this bug will recovery quickly.

"You might want to pray for my health, there is a pretty bad stomach flu going around, it’s taken some folks down in my shop HARD, like at the aid station with IV’s in them hard, so pray that I don’t get it. We had something similar going around in August/September, and also something a little milder back in April time frame. It seems each time it comes back, it gets a little stronger. Semperfi, Jarhedjon"

I was able to get the CT Scan of my elbow on Thursday and have an appointment with my orthopedic doctor on Tuesday. At that time I hope we will have a better idea of exactly what is broken and what should be done about it.

Joshua and I had a great time with my family over Christmas. We ate, talked, ate, played games, ate, opened gifts, ate and went geocaching. Then we had a slumber party. My siblings and I stayed up till 2:00 am playing a game of Lord of the Rings Risk. We used to have wild games of Risk as kids and I am happy to report that we are much better sports now. Tuesday the entire clan -- 13 in all -- visited the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I was hoping to post our family picture, but need to get an electronic copy from Sonny, one of the excellent photographers in our family.

Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!

Sheryl

Joshua Turns 7

Yesterday Joshua celebrated his 7th birthday with my family (my Mom, Sandy, Sonny, Steve, Sandi, Elena, Emma and Evan). We have a party with his friends in the Spring to celebrate his May 14 baptism and his "half birthday."

Jon was able to send Joshua some short video messages via e-mail and then he called in the morning and Joshua and I both had a long talk with him. Here Joshua is on the phone with his Dad next to the partially decorated cake. Thanks to Cyndi for loaning us the castle cake pan. The final version is shown below in all its glory.

After a simple lunch (pizza and McDonalds happy meals), Joshua opened his gifts and then we enjoyed the cake and ice cream. Then we were off on a family geocache adventure. We found 5 in the San Juan creek area east of the freeway. It was great to be outside on a gorgeous California "winter" day.

After my family headed home Joshua and I spent about two hour building his new 445 piece Lego Sponge Bob (Thanks, Aunt Lori).

We are looking forward to being with my entire family (my brother Scott and his wife Renee are coming down from Seattle) Christmas day followed by a family slumber party and a trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park on Tuesday. May you all have a wonderful Christmas celebration as you remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Sheryl

Of geese and heron

When we got here, we could have killed them--but we nurtured them. Some of them died, despite our best intentions, but the rest flourished. We could have restricted them, but they were given autonomy. We could have abandoned them to fend for themselves; instead we offered them sumptuous fare. Now, we have provided them shelter against the elements and the opportunity for a new and better way of life--they just have to accept what we've provided, and start living in it. I'm talking about the geese, of course, who have yet to step inside their new home, which has adorned the side of their spacious "duck pond" for almost a week now.

A blue heron has been observed hanging out at the pond for the last few days now, a beautiful bird that is still somewhat more skittish than the geese, and probably always will be. I tried twice to get close enough for a decent picture, but each time just when I was getting set to take the picture, it flew off. There was a blue heron that Sheryl, Joshua and I observed a year ago back at Casper's Park near San Juan Capistrano. Though normally they hang out around water and eat fish (I've been told), this one patrolled brushy fields and meadows and ate gophers and other varmints. Though we didn't see it catch one, the Ranger said it was quite a thing to see the heron struggling to gulp down a gopher--but the heron has apparently decided that the struggle is worth it--it has become a pretty permanent fixture there at Casper's. It's amazing the severities of the changes that can be endured, eventually incorporated, and ultimately lead to a preferred way of life. I'm talking about the heron, of course.

Semper Fi,
Jarhedjon

Visit to the orthopedic doctor

Today I saw the orthopedic doctor. He showed me the x-rays from last week and explained that it is hard to see exactly what is broken. He said it looks like small bone fragments could have been smashed down into the bone (ulna I think) from the impact of the car hitting my arm. He has ordered a CT Scan of my elbow to get a clearer picture, so I am waiting for insurance authorization and then we'll go from there. The doctor said that my options could include surgery to repair the bones but that would involve pins which might be too hard to use with such small bones. He also said that by keeping my elbow immobile long enough for the pins to set, the joint could completely freeze up on me and I would lose freedom of movement. He said that if this were a "load-baring" joint, like the hip or knee, he would say surgery is necessary, but it's different with the elbow. He did take off my split and replaced the wrap with a removable one so I can shower (being careful with my arm) and then find someone to replace the wrap. I am so excited about that. So for now I am waiting for the okay to get the CT Scan. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the many cards, e-mails, phone calls, meals, transportation and loving care. I know that I am very blessed.

Sheryl

First Outing

With the help of friends Lisa and Rhonda, I was able to provide goodie bags for Joshua's class Christmas part and I was able to go with clean hair -- Ah! Thanks, ladies. The party was fun and as you can see, the kids had plenty of candy.

Rhonda drove Joshua and me to his pediatrician after school and the doctor confirmed that Joshua is just fine. My mom met us at the doctor's office and drove us home. Dinner came from Kris and her family. What a blessing to be surrounded by so many loving, generous and caring friends and family.

The best thing about last night was a good night's sleep. I did not take Vicodin and that seemed to do the trick. I feel much better today, although I am realizing that I need to take it slow as I recover.

Sheryl

48 hours later

I am still having trouble sleeping through the night, but at least my body is resting even if my mind is not.

Last night I finally understood what happened to Joshua in the accident. He has insisted the whole time that the car hit him on the back, but that didn't make sense the way we were running and since an adult witness said she saw Joshua running away from the car, I assumed her eyes were right and Joshua was imagining things. Well I was wrong. We kind of replayed the accident at dinner and he explained that he was doing his "side running" through the crosswalk. That means that he was leading with his left foot and his back was to the car. He didn't see the car hit me, but the car's head light or something with an edge did scratched his back -- 3 inch abrasion -- and sent him flying forward away from the me and the car. He landed on all fours and since he had mitten and long pants on he didn't get scratched up by the asphalt. He has described the hit "like jumping off the monkey bars or a table." So the witness saw what looked like running, but was really Joshua being bumped by the car. Fortunately I took most of the impact, but Joshua is right, he got hit by the car too.

Joshua is doing fine -- talking in his sleep, but sleeping through the night. Last night our good friend Brad and his sons Bradley and Justin came over to put up a ton of Chistmas lights on our house. Joshua had a great time "helping" him.

I'm hoping to make it to Joshua's class Christmas party today -- will post pictures when I can. Thanks for the many e-mails and calls I have gotten.

Sheryl

A broken arm at 45

I would not recommend trying to stop a car as a pedestrian while crossing a street, but a mother's got to do what a mother's got to do. It has been 24 hours since the accident. Joshua is off to school feeling fine except for an abrasion on his back He took the copy of my x-ray to show his friends. I could hear him talking in his sleep during the night, but he didn't remember his dreams this morning, so I hope his subconscious did a good job of processing his fears while he slept.

I did not sleep well, even with the Vicodin. I kept waking up every hour or so throughout the night. I'm very sore this morning and feeling my age. :) A broken arm at 45 is not a great idea. Well, that's about all the typing I can do for now.

I have been able to talk to Jon (thanks to the phone card Chris and Carolyn sent). We are both so grateful for your prayers and support.

Sheryl

Please Pray for Sheryl

This is Sheryl's sister, Sandy. She asked me to put up a quick post for her. As she and Joshua were walking to school (a block from school) this morning Sheryl was hit by a car. They saw the car coming and Joshua was able to move back but she took the full brunt of the hit. Her left arm, upper ulna just below the elbow is broken. She's in a splint and will see an orthopedic surgeon next week for a full cast. She also hit her head (although that checked out OK) and of course, has bruises all over. She is very thankful that Joshua was not hit and is OK.

Friends from school and church were with her in the hospital, and at home, and will be bringing her food tonight. She has sent word to Jon, but hasn't heard directly from him yet. All 3 of them would appreciate your prayers.

thanks
Sandy

More thanks

We continue to be blessed by so many of you. Thank you to those who have let me know that you continue to pray for Jon, Joshua and me. We greatly appreciate it during this season of the year. Here’s the latest on how you have been blessing Jon.

“Greetings, All:

I'm beginning to wonder if I'll be able to walk down the steps to the flight line apron when departing the aircraft when I land in the States--I'll probably have to roll or be carried (this is not a morbid joke on losing my ambulatory capability, but a remark on the quantity and quality of rich provisions I am being sent). Since my last note on 03 December, I've received a greeting card and a phone card from Natalie F. (thanks so much for thinking of me, I'd run out of phone card minutes--which I can use from a phone in my office--and have been trekking down to the MWR Phone Center, which I won't have to do any more); a care package from the San Juan Seniors (thanks, guys, all the stuff was great, particularly the peanut butter--I'd been out for about three weeks, and I'd been missing my daily banana with peanut butter snack [which brings up the question of where in the world they grow bananas in December, and how do they get them to this base in reasonable condition?]--and the bean dip, which I haven't had any of for the whole time I've been here); and, as if that first package wasn't enough, ANOTHER package from the San Juan Seniors (with another much needed phone card, Triscuits, Cheeze-Its, Multi-Grain Crackers, and a whole slew of other items that were all immediately--almost--consumed). I also received a package from Joe & Helen filled with Christmas cheer (in the form of a stocking and some Christmas decorations, some awesome
home-made chocolate brownie caramel nut things, and among other delectable items, some cherry-&-liquid filled chocolate candies that were truly delightful).

I also received a very special folder of drawings and letters that had been compiled and sent to me by a 1st Grade class. This was a very special treat, as Joshua was a member of the class--but the next week, I received a HUGE LETTER from a 2nd Grade class. I feel very
loved and supported, and would like to visit each of the classes after I return.

Thanks so much for your love, your prayers, your support, and your care. You are making SUCH A DIFFERENCE.

Semper Fi, Jon G.”

One of my best days ever

Saturday, December 2, 2006, will definitely go down as one of my best days ever! This is due to gifts given to me by many people. First, Ken, Alex's dad invited Joshua to go with him and his children Alex and Alyssa to a Mighty Ducks game in Los Angeles, followed by an overnight stay at their house. Ken picked Joshua up at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday and I didn't go get Joshua until 9:45 a.m. on Sunday. I was able to enjoy those 25 1/2 hours thanks to other gifts. But of course Joshua was not suffering in the least. He got to ride the train to LA, have lunch, take the subway to the Staples Center, watch the Ducks beat the Kings 4-3, and then have a sleep-over at Alex's house. Here is a picture of Alyssa, Alex and Joshua at the stadium.

My goal for Saturday was to not do anything that came to mind as something I "should do." I went for my jog/walk, which was great on a beautiful California winter morning where the sky was clear, the the air was crisp and it warmed up to the low 80s in the afternoon. Then I was off to a day spa to enjoy a massage given via a gift certificate for my birthday from my mom Helen, sister Sandy, sister-in-laws Sandi and Renee and good friend Lauri. Now that is a great way to spend an hour! I followed that by cashing in my free frozen yogurt card and ate it outside as I read my People magazine without any interruptions or guilt. I relaxed in a bath when I got home and then headed to my good friend Sherry's shop in Fullerton for an overdue hair cut. With my new hair style, I went home, picked up the Christmas cookies I had baked during the week and headed to our Mission Committee Christmas party. It was so fun to enjoy the company of good friends without worrying about running home to pay the babysitter or chasing Joshua around Pat's lovely home. That evening I relaxed with tea while watching a Christmas movie. But my relaxation wasn't over. After an undisturbed night, I worshiped at church in my favorite 8:00 a.m. service.

The really nice thing is that my wonderful day turned into a fabulous weekend. Joshua and I baked gingerbread and sugar cookies and decorated them together while listening to Christmas music. We then started our Advent Tradition of lighting the Hope Candle, reading a devotional, singing a carol and praying together. Following that we were off to a birthday party for one of Joshua's church friends, which meant many of my friends were there too and we were able to catch up on each other's lives while our kids played. Sunday evening I had a babysitter for Joshua and so I was able to enjoy my time with our Small Group discussing the morning's sermon and then feasting on delicious food together.

Now that is not just a great day but an awesome weekend. Thank you to the many of you who had a hand in making my day and weekend so wonderful. I hope you are able to slow down and enjoy the Advent Season as we meditate on "waiting for Jesus." We are also waiting for Joshua's birthday (December 23rd), so there is a lot of anticipation in our household. Blessings.

Sheryl

Many, Many Thanks

Jon and I both continue to be overwhelmed by the love and care you, our friends and family pour over us. I'll up date you on my pampered-day in a couple days. Here's the latest from Jon's end. Sheryl

Hello, All:

When I started this blog, I thought the primary purpose would be to keep you updated as to what is happening with me over here. That was certainly the case at the beginning. However, as time has progressed, the support and care I've received from you has crescendoed to an almost overwhelming avalanche, almost in inverse proportion to the decreasing noteworthiness of events worth relating on this base. In the last week I've received care packages from: David K. (thanks for the popcorn, Dude); Dave & Kris M. (very thoughtful of you, I look forward to hooking up with you when I get back); some folks at the 1st Baptist Church in Patchogue (thanks for the great mix of stuff, even a double shot Starbucks!); SSEEE, you guys are the greatest (I'm saving the peanut butter Kisses for a special occasion, and having the mouthpiece is cool); and I was totally amazed by Ken and Deanne N. (believe it or not, we--the few folks in my shop--polished off 6 lbs 8 oz of M&Ms in less than 18 hours. We also combined all the trail mix, peanuts and yogurt raisins in a big bin, and all are now addicted to the 'community nut mix,' which we haven't finished off yet, as it is constantly changing composition due to the continuing contributions by all in the shop whenever the level of the bowl drops below 50%). I also recently received some personal letters from the girls of Troop 1258 (Marblehead School), and a whole beautifully decorated "Thank You" loose leaf letter book from a 1st grade class at San Juan Elementary (perhaps the fact that Joshua is a member of the class had something to do with it, but that only increases the meaning vice diminishing it).

According to RUMINT, I have less than three months left to this deployment, which means I am more than 3/4ths of the way done!! Time seems to be flying by (I am always busy, and there never seems to be enough time in the day to accomplish what needs to be done), except when I note the calendar every day to see how many days left there are--then it seems to be dragging. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers, your care, and your support--I know I actually 'see' only a small portion of your gifts to me (the most important ways you support me is by taking care of Sheryl and Joshua and through prayer). My health and safety, though not reported on except in the negative (like, my tooth problem, or low grade cold/flu symptoms, etc.), are very important to me, and things I do not take for granted.

Ok, I've done it again (written a long boring blog vice a short interesting one), but I want you to know how meaningful you are to me!

Semper Fi, Jon G.

Update from Home

I haven't written an update about Joshua and me for a while, so here goes. We had a great Thanksgiving with my family at my brother and sister-in-law's new home in Escondido, California. There are lots of fun places for the kids to play and Joshua disappeared with his cousin Evan almost immediately upon arriving. Of course we had more food than we could eat, but turkey dinner leftovers are some of the best. We did our now-traditional family geocaching in the morning and worked off the calories before we ate them. We played family games after eating around 2:00. Joshua and I stayed overnight and started in on more games in the morning. Around noon I took Joshua, my two nieces and nephew to the Wild Animal Park, which is about 15 minutes from their house. We had a great afternoon together and Steve and Sandi got more unpacking done (they had just moved the week before).

I ended the Thanksgiving week by participating in the ordination service of my good friend Scott Mann. He has been called to be an Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, Washington. The service, held at our old church Trinity Pres. in Santa Ana, was wonderful and it was such a blessing to see so many old friends. We moved to San Clemente 4 years ago and haven't seen some of these folks since then. It was such a blessing to know how many still remember our family and are praying for us during this deployment year.

This week Joshua and I are back to our busy school and everything-else-that-I-do schedules. But today we are slowing down a bit as Joshua is sick. I thought maybe he got dehydrated at school yesterday. When I picked him up after school he complained of a bad headache. I asked him what he had to drink and he said, "just the juice box in my lunch." I imagine the kids don't feel as thirsty when they are out playing cause they aren't getting very hot. (For those of you not living in So. Calif., we are having dry, windy cold-for-us weather -- high 60 with 15% humidity). I tried to get him hydrated yesterday afternoon and evening, but at bed time he was crying saying his head hurt so bad. Got him to sleep but he had a rough night and this morning complained about a headache and felt nauseas. So he's home resting on the couch playing with Christmas ornaments and listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Hopefully he'll be back to school tomorrow. He has a fun Saturday planned with his friend Alex and his dad -- train to LA to watch the Mighty Ducks and then an overnight at Alex's house. I have planned at pamper-myself-day, so please pray that Joshua is fine by then. :)

Today I received a note from Jon that ended with these encouraging words. "Well, I'm doing well, I'm in good spirits, and believe I'll survive all this hard drive trash [computer problems]. Thanks for your prayers."

Sheryl

Update from the Front

Thanks for continuing to pray for Jon, Joshua and me. We got through Thanksgiving and now have Joshua's birthday and Christmas to "look forward to." Here's the latest from Jon.

Hey, Y’all:

First, I’d like to thank you, from the depths of my heart, for the prayer, support and encouragement that has been showered upon me. There were still times in the last week where I felt like ‘giving up,’ though of course that is not really an option. I’ve been told that at this stage of a year long deployment, there is no real surmounting depression, only coping with it. Through this last month in particular, your support and encouragement through prayers, cards, packages, and being a Community to Sheryl and Joshua have really made a difference. Here’s an update on things over here (from a personal perspective):

There are three separate data bases I maintain, this effort constitutes about a third of my job. There is a web-based product I maintain, this constitutes about 25% of my job. About 30% of my job is tracking documents, categorizing files and sorting products. Back-up of these files is problematic due to the security of the information, and though I had taken some steps to address this issue, I had not implemented a plan for Continuity of Operations (CoOP). Early last week, my primary hard drive (on which the majority of my work is accomplished) self initiated a reformat. Thanks to your prayers and the intervention of some technical experts here, the three data bases were recovered intact. Additionally, the majority of the documents were recovered as well. Of course, the web based product was not affected. The only challenge is that the file structure was destroyed in the reformat, leaving literally tens of thousands of non-attributed documents. This will keep me from becoming bored during the remainder of my deployment; I’ve also taken steps to insure a viable CoOP plan is instituted (so hopefully, this will never be a problem in the future). Additionally, there was a related issue that could have cast doubt on my integrity—though investigation of technical data would have immediately cleared me, the nature of the issue was potentially damaging—but the issue was dismissed by leadership. In all of this, I have been aware of God’s presence and His hand of protection and provision, and the sustaining power of your prayers.

It’s pretty cool being a ‘two digit midget’ (less than 100 days left to my deployment, and getting ‘shorter’ and ‘shorter’ every day). Oorah. Jarhedjon.

60 cards and a dozen packages

Here is proof of the cards and packages that so many of you have sent to Jon. Today he wrote, "Here is a picture of me with some of the stuff (obviously, some of the boxes have been unpacked and the food devoured, distributed or placed in the break room). I am truly grateful. Just the number of cards (over 60 now) is so encouraging."

Jon mentioned last week that the guys who work in the post office are now impressed. As you can imagine the Marines he works with are also very grateful. Jon would be rolling home if he didn't share the great food he has gotten. So you can be assured that your goodies are blessing many Marines.

Thank you so much for your out-pouring of love. It has definitely raised Jon's spirits and that helps me as well.

Sheryl

on receiving 2 packages & 26 cards on the eve of the 231st birthday of the Corps

Dear Family, Community, and Friends:

My deployment was very predictable. Having volunteered initially, I was then committed to service as a Marine. Marines are defined as warriors, and our profession is war. It is what we expect. My service is based on a solemn promise, an oath, that I will stand ready to defend the Constitution and obey lawful orders—to fail in this is to fail America, and to break my oath. For me NOT to serve would have been dishonorable. As a professional (well compensated, I might add), I will give my utmost in the performance of my duty—whether my service is noticed or not noticed. This is simply what I have sworn to do. The adversaries of freedom know about me. They know about my training, they study my capabilities, and they exert every effort to defeat me on the battlefield. They know where I am strong, and they know where I am vulnerable. To the adversaries of freedom, I am a formidable but calculable element.

You, however, are not predictable. One of the freedoms I am most proud of defending is your right to remain uninvolved in this struggle against the adversaries of freedom, to even oppose my service in it. My desire is that my involvement in this contest will permit you and your way of life to remain unharmed and unchanged by it. However, you have chosen to do the unexpected. You deliberately got involved. Every unanswered MOTO mail you unselfishly sent; every newsy email you have typed; every encouraging card you have mailed; every caring package you have prepared and shipped; every act of service you have performed for Sheryl and Joshua in my absence; every one of these gifts has increased my ability to serve with spirit, honor, courage and commitment. Every minute of heartfelt intercession you have spent praying for an end to this strife has assuredly done more to bring it about than all my months of service. You have done something that the adversaries of freedom CANNOT counter on the battlefield. Without pronouncing judgment on this conflict, without condoning the conduct of war, you have sacrificed in a meaningful way to bring dignity to service personnel and speed the end of the Global War on Terror. To the advocates of Peace, you are an affirming but most incalculable supporting element.

Thank you so very, very much. Unlooked for, you have upheld me. Unasked for, you have encouraged me. In short, you have been the hand of God ministering to me. My mettle, perhaps, has been tested; yours has been proven. I thank God for your love.

Semper Fi, Jarhedjon

Trip to Seattle

Well, Seattle lived up to its reputation and it rained almost every day we were there. Joshua was thrilled. His favorite activity was walking my brother's dog Chester in the rain. Ah, the simple pleasures of life.

We had other highlights as well. We visited one of the Boeing facilities and saw them building 737s or some huge airplane -- amazing. We had a great time at the Children's Museum which is located at the base of the Space Needle. Joshua got a Washington Huskies sweatshirt. He is very excited cause at his school, where a uniform is required, university sweatshirts and T-shirts are the only exception. So he'll get to wear his new sweatshirt on cold days this winter. We spent our last night at a family gathering with five cousins, an aunt, a couple spouses, friends and children. Good food and conversation made for a fun evening.

So we're home now and warming up. Looking at 70s and maybe 80s this week. Just had to throw that in for family and friends in the Northwest and Midwest. Loving our fall weather.

Sheryl

Seasons Change

Great to hear from Jon about the cooler weather for:

“Greetings:

Well, Fall lasted about one day. The temperatures were in the mid 60’s at night, mid 80’s during the day, and had been there for a month or two. Rain had been possible (and actually happened for about an hour out of every 48). Humidity was pretty constant in the 40’s. Then, two days ago, the temperature at 85, the humidity climbs to over 70%, and it rains on and off for about four hours. By the EENT (end of evening nautical twilight), temperatures are steadily dropping, the humidity drops, and now we are sitting at daily highs in the mid 60’s during the day and lows in the mid 40’s at night. Simply incredible. One day.

Those of you who have been praying regarding a possible trip I would have to make (that I did not want to make due to the work load here, among other things), thank you for praying. Those prayers have been answered, the party that I was going to have to see came here instead, and are due in the office any time now. Not having to travel is a real blessing.

Way back at the beginning of my deployment, I mentioned the problem I had with my tooth. Well, thanks to your prayers and God’s intervention, I have not been bothered by the tooth these many months. However, just the last few days and nights, it has made it’s presence known (this is a tooth that the dentist thinks will have to have the nerve deadened and a crown emplaced, but the dental surgical section here doesn’t have all the right equipment). Please continue to pray that the necessity for oral surgery will not become a necessity until I get back to the States.

Speaking of which, I still don’t know exactly when that will be, I have been informed of no firm dates yet regarding my departure, how many days I will be in transit (there is a strong possibility of a three day transition training period to be conducted after my departure from this base but prior to my arrival at my port of debarkation, and what date I might arrive back in the States. I’ll keep y’all posted. Semper Fi, Jarhedjon”

Sheryl

Purple Belt in Tae Kwon Do

Saturday was a busy day with the end of the soccer season and Joshua's Tae Kwon Do test for his purple belt. He did an excellent job on his various fighting exercises, an okay job on his form and passed the test. Today in class he received a certificate and his new purple belt. He has worked hard over the past 8 months and is very proud of his purple belt. He started with white and progressed through yellow, orange and green. Joshua's flexibility is amazing. He can almost do the splits and can kick well above his head. Tae Kwon Do is also developing his coordination. We have lots of friends from school and the community who take Tae Kwon Do at the Black Belt Academy in San Juan, so it is a great experience for both of us.

We're looking forward to a great time in Seattle this week, even if we get a little wet. :)

Sheryl

Final Soccer Game

Today was the end of Joshua's soccer season. He had a great game. His team lost, but they all played well together and Joshua was very focused. He had an awesome quarter as goalie and by half-time had muddy and bloody knees, but was still upset when it was his quarter to sit out. We participated with 9 other great families this year and our team definitely demonstrated AYSO volunteerism. Every family participated in one way or another to make it a great season for all the boys. Now what will we do on our Saturdays?

Next week Joshua has three days off from school for parent/teacher conferences and Veteran's Day, so he and I are headed to Seattle to visit family. It will be fun to get away for a few days.

Sheryl

A tough week

The stomach flue has been going around and Joshua got the version with diarrhea. The nurse assured me over the phone that I should be grateful that he is not also vomiting. He stayed home from school on Monday, but seemed fine on Tuesday. He was fine at school and even trick-or-treating (such a cute batman), but then more problems before bedtime, in the middle of the night and this morning. So he stayed home from school today, as well. I am hopefully that he won't have any symptoms in the morning so he can go back to school tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers.

Sheryl

Deployment Update

It has been a while since Jon has had the time to send an update, but here it is now.

“Greetings:

Well, thanks for all your prayers, encouragement, physical care, correspondence (snail mail, MOTO mail and E-mail), and packages—for me, Sheryl and Joshua. I’m about 2/3rds of the way through this deployment, definitely on the down-hill stretch, and the date when I will have to notify you all not to send any more packages (because if there is a delay in shipment I will not be here) is soon approaching (that date, to play it safe, will be around December 15.

Time is going by quickly for me, especially since getting back from R&R, as I’ve been attending more meetings (my boss has been on the road more, and I’ve had to stand in the gap) and still had the same amount of work to do. Over the last two months, some of the technology I’ve had access to (my blog, archived music, downloading photos and short video clips from my camera to be emailed home, etc) through government computers has been severely curtailed. Access to these services had been instrumental in maintaining a sense of being connected with all of you, so I’ve struggled a little with lower morale over the last few weeks—but thanks to your prayers, continued encouragement, and God’s blessing, I have been sustained. Additionally, I’ve transitioned back to working many hours at the computer without escaping into music via headphones—due to the secure nature of the facilities in which I’ve worked for the last 7 years, I’m historically used to it, and had gotten spoiled in the last 8 months—I’m doing OK with it. I have had to disengage from the FaBQ, the quintet I was practicing with—but that has been a good thing, as the pressure to participate in future programs was beginning to add to my stress levels, not diminish them—and it has proved essential to have that extra hour a day to catch up with my work load.

Just today I received FIVE MOTO mails, I am so thankful for all of you who take the time to write me and keep me up to date with even routine things in your lives. Just knowing that y’all are experiencing life within the expected ranges of ‘normalcy’ make the deviations from ‘normalcy’ in my own routine fully acceptable. Semper Fi, Jarhedjon”

Thank you for your continued support of Jon, Joshua and me.

Sheryl

Harvest Party

Yesterday Joshua and I enjoyed a fun Harvest Party at Dalton's house. About 25 children arrived with various items to "sell." Dalton's mom provided everyone with pennies to purchase one of each item. What fun -- cupcakes, cookies, pens, pencils, play dough, popcorn balls, apple cider, little toys and a little bit of candy. We took apples and individual carmel packets. It was all over in a little less than an hour. The kids had a great time buying and selling and everyone went home with a bag full of goodies. Thanks to Mandy for including us in this fun event. Here is Joshua with his friends Dalton and Griffin. Both are in his 1st grade class.

Sheryl

Final Birthday Celebration

Sunday I enjoyed a delicious tea at the Tea House in San Juan Capistrano with my mom, sister and college friend Lauri. Here we are after a very filling meal. It was a gorgeous day and we had a lovely time watching the leaves fall as we lounged on the patio sipping tea and munching many tasty treats.

So many people have helped me celebrate my 45th birthday. Thank you to all of you. Here's to 45 more years.

Sheryl

Another Birthday Celebration

Tonight I enjoyed another birthday celebration. Cathy, Karen, Shirley, Jill and I have been celebrating our birthdays together four times a year for almost four years. It was wonderful to gather tonight at PF Changs and share some great food, excellent conversation and fun gifts.

I am so blessed to have friends who have been in my life for many years and to have so many new friends that the Lord has brought into my life since our move to Southern Orange County.

Sheryl

Thanks for the Memories

Jon has been so blessed this week by gifts and memories. Read on...

"The San Juan Seniors are REALLY taking care of me!! Two days ago I received a great package of goodies, extra crunchy peanut butter, jerky, candy, pretzels, cans of cashews, popcorn, and candy. I immediately ate the whole bag of pretzel-peanut-butter sandwiches—they were so good I couldn’t help myself. THEN, yesterday, I received another package from the San Juan Seniors!! This box had lots MORE stuff in it, in addition to three things that I’ve never had (over here), that I’m looking forward to immensely: Googly Eye Gummy Bears, Cheeze-IT twister crackers, and Nacho Cheese dip. Wow. I am so blessed, and quite overwhelmed. I am very thankful, and very encouraged.

Twenty one years ago I graduated from Marine Security Guard School in class 5-85, one of the largest classes in MSG School history (164 graduates). Over the eight weeks of the school, I survived on potatoes that I bought at Food4Less, which I stored (against regulation) in my room one night. There was a ‘hygiene’ inspection the next day, my potatoes were found, and I ‘fessed up publicly to being the culprit. No big deal. Well, a couple days ago I’m walking past the G4 shop here when a Marine stops me and asks me if I was in MSG School class 5-85. Surprised, I acknowledge that I was, and then he says, “I knew it, you’re the Potato Man.” I couldn’t believe it, more than twenty years have gone by and I’m still notorious! Over the years, I’ve run into six or seven Marines from my MSG School class, and they all remember the incident clearly. It turns out there is another Marine here in the G3 that was also in our class, we’ll have to all go to the DFAC for some potatoes in memory of those days."

Sheryl

Final Celebration Today

Enjoyed an entertaining birthday dinner at Ichibiri -- a Japanese restaurant in San Clemente. The food was prepared in front of us and the boys -- Joshua and his friends Bradley and Justin -- were thrilled. Jilinda and I were even able to carry on a conversation during most of the meal. What a blessing to have such quality friends and to enjoy good food together.

Thanks to all of you who have helped to make my 45th birthday so special. And I still have a couple more celebrations later this week. I usually try to celebrate all month. :)

Sheryl

Mid-life

Today I turn 45 and I figure that's probably about the middle of my life. Both of my grandmothers lived about 90 years, so I'm half way there.

My celebration actually started Sunday evening when our small group had birthday cake after our dinner. Thanks, Cyndi, for the birthday "sand" castle -- very creative.

This morning the first e-mail I opened included a video from Jon singing "Happy Birthday." The second e-mail included a video of Jon's brass quartet playing "Happy Birthday" to me. It was very touching to have those four guys playing for me and wishing me a special day.

Joshua didn't have a card for me, but when I asked about a gift, he ran to his room and found a couple melted bead designs that he made over the weekend and presented them as my present. I suggested that since it was my birthday we could walk to school together. That is my favorite things to do with Joshua in the morning. He didn't complain, rushed to get ready so we could be out the door by 7:15. It was a beautiful California-autumn morning and we had a wonderful conversation as we held hands on our 25 minute walk to school. That has to be one of the best birthday presents ever.

I got my jog/walk done on the way home and after getting cleaned up met Claire, Nanci and Cyndi for breakfast at Roma's House in San Juan Capistrano -- a quaint little restaurant right next to the train tracks in the old part of town. It was a wonderful way to start my day.

This afternoon I am hosting an after-school play date for Joshua's class. We'll just hang out at the playground on campus. It is a great opportunity for the parents to get to know each other a little bit while the kids play.

This evening will be topped off by dinner with friends, the den Dulks. Enjoying a wonderful celebration of my 45 years of life. I am truly blessed.

Sheryl

Good Friends

My good friend Melissa and her husband Jim (also known as Coach Jim on the soccer field) are keeping Joshua for me this weekend so I can participate in our Y Malawi quarterly meetings. For more information on Y Malawi: http://www.yafrica.net/sites/ymalawi/Homepage.

Here is Joshua (in the shadows) heading off to his soccer game with his friend Noah and my friend Melissa. What a blessing to have friends who help me out with Joshua so I can still participate in various activities. There have been so many friends and family who have stepped in this year to help me as a single mom. THANK YOU ALL!

Sheryl

My bilingual son

I have been a bit slow in posting to the blog recently, but I have to brag a bit about my bilingual son. Last Friday Joshua was preparing to do a book report in class. He had made a model of a horse (cabillo) out of Styrofoam (what a mess) and was going to show it to his class along with the book he had read. Of course the whole presentation needed to be in Spanish. Before we left for school I asked if he would practice his presentation since I wouldn't be able to see it and I wanted to video tape it so Jon could see it. Amazing! Joshua spoke for over 3 minutes in Spanish. He talked about the book and then went into detail about how he made his cabillo. I couldn't understand all of it, because his Spanish has surpassed mine, but I got bits and pieces. It was so awesome to hear Joshua speak so calmly and clearly in another language. And on top of that, he wasn't nervous about getting in front of the other 18 students in his class and his teacher to do his book report. Very cool!

I have the video on my computer, so if you ever want to hear and see Joshua's report on the book "Tres Amigos" (one of the amigos was a cabillo), just stop by the house.

Proud Mama, Sheryl

Connections

Here's an update from Jon.

"I have been blessed and encouraged mightily by a few connections that have taken place in the last month. First, I discovered that a Marine that was the only other PFC with me in Supply School at Camp Johnson, NC (every one else in the class was a private) in 1982 was now on his way to the very same base where I’m serving for a six month tour. I had not seen him since then, did not even know he was still in the Corps, but discovered (in a very roundabout way) that he was still in the Corps, found out his email, and connected with him here a couple days after his feet hit the deck. Andy and I have had the chance to eat a couple of meals together at the chowhall (taxpayer’s treat, thank you very much, y’all), and it has been fun remembering those old times and catching up on the 24 or so intervening years.

Ruth, a classmate of mine from RVA (a missionary school in Kenya where I attended in grade 10) told me of a Marine Lieutenant who was the grandson of the man who was the principal of RVA while I was there (whose uncle was in my sister Linda’s class) who was on his way to this country for a second tour. Some Marines came into my shop prior to heading out to the FOB, and they were from the same unit as Ryan—so they passed on the word to him, and I was able to meet him. We talked for about 20 minutes—and I’ve already sent him a motomail that he should receive shortly after he reaches his bivouac.

I was finally able to connect with Cameron, the grandson of one of folks who support Sheryl and I from the San Juan Seniors—unfortunately, only by email. He was out here for a short time, but I did not have his email address, and the unit he supports is a little distance from where I am. When I finally got his email, he had already been sent back to the States due to an injury. However, it is very cool that I was finally able to touch base with him.

I’ve been getting motomails from lots of folks, Ruth, John, Greg, and others. Thanks so much. Sonny & Sandy (your new picture with both of you is cute J), Helen, and Dad, thanks for posting to Sheryl’s blog. Judy, thanks for your faithful snail mail cards, they are so great! I received some items from the San Juan Seniors, including some hand-knitted caps for wear under our helmets (it gets cold over here in a couple of months), THANKS SO MUCH."

I am very grateful for all of you who are encouraging Jon. We were able to talk on the phone on Sunday morning and I can tell that your notes, cards, packages, motomails, etc. are a blessing to him. Thanks.

Sheryl

Thanks for goodies

Jon sent this note over the weekend, but I didn't get around to posting it till now.

"I got a package from Scott and Renee [France], it was GREAT! A whole large package of double filled peanut butter Oreo cookies, two books that look like great recreational reading, a 1lb pound bag of peanut butter M&Ms, some Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, a Butterfinger bar, two containers of fru-fru instant specialty coffee, and some Planter’s cashews. This just totally rocks, especially as I’m struggling with the mid-deployment I’ve-still-got-a-long-way-to-go feeling blues."

Obviously he enjoys all the goodies everyone is sending him. Please pray for healing for a "tweaked" muscle on his right side. It has kept him from his morning sit-ups and may keep him from running. With all the goodies people are sending him, he definitely needs to keep up his exercise routine. :) Thanks.

Joshua and I got to enjoy another fun day at Legoland, thanks to the San Juan Seniors who continue to demonstrate their "adoption" of us in generous ways. Joshua didn't have school on Monday so we took his friend Jack with us and met up with a school friend. All three boys played well together for about 5 hours. I think the two moms were much more worn out than the kids.

Sheryl

Quintet Update

Just got an e-mail from Jon with an update on the quintet that he plays in. Thought y'all might be interested.

"Last week, I found out one of the new officers in my shop plays the trumpet. Our 1^st trumpet is away on a trip, so I talked the new guy into coming over and picking up 2^nd trumpet. We found a new guy to play tuba who is fast getting up to speed, so the gap in the quintet is the Freedom (French) Horn. So I started playing Freedom Horn (I had been playing 2^nd Trumpet since we got a good tuba player a while ago), and the Chaplain (trombone player) says I’ve picked it up extremely quickly, and have filled a gap that has been in the quintet (we’ve been a quartet, in essence) four a number of months when our old Freedom Horn player rotated back to the States. When the 1^st trumpet gets back, we’ll have a full quintet for the first time in four months! I’m looking forward to that, it should be fun."

Sheryl

Routine

Joshua and I have settled into the fall routine. School, Tae Kwon Do, Wednesday night church, Friday night soccer practice, Saturday soccer games, Sunday church with homework and lots of play-time sprinkled in. Jon has also gotten back into a routine. Here's his report.

"The discouraging thing about getting back in country is how quickly routine becomes drudgery. This is probably partly due to the fact that my daily work load consistently exceeds my ability to accomplish it; the performance of all daily activity takes place in a setting already extremely familiar to me, or perhaps the starkly monotonous surroundings provide very little in the way of variety; there is little or no interaction with people outside of mission accomplishment; there is little to no awareness of what day of the week it is—every day is a Monday.

The encouraging thing about being back in country is a constant awareness of God’s blessing. Support and encouragement from many people in such a variety of different ways: snail mail, emails, packages, prayers. The predictable nature of each day makes the mental preparation necessary for the next 24 hours a much more sane process. The work load waiting to be done and the lack of diversionary activity both work together to increase productivity. The food is great, I can take a hot shower daily, the laundry is free, my quarters are climate controlled, I’m sleeping well, and I’m actually PTing [working out] more consistently than in the first six months.

I’m sure it seems less than meaningful for those praying for me to keep praying the same prayers, over and over, for going on seven months now. I want to thank you for those prayers, they make such a difference.

(Posted for Jarhedjon by Sheryl)"

We all appreciate your prayers.

Sheryl

First Art Competition

The San Juan Elementary PTA is sponsoring the Reflections Creative Arts Competition. Joshua entered a piece of art work today. One of the moms at our school is a former art teacher and she has been giving after-school art workshops. She also started a class after-school that Joshua was able to get into. He is very excited about doing any kind of art.

The theme for the competition is "My Favorite Place." It only took Joshua a few seconds to figure out that his favorite place is Yosemite. His painting, done in water colors and glitter glue, is of a water fall and the fire falls that used to occur over Curry Village. It was so fun to watch him come up with the idea, try a number of different media and then do his final version. I think he did 6 practice drawings or paintings.

Thanks to my mom for posting a comment to Jon on this blog site. Jon is still able to read the blog and the comments, so if you used to post comments to him, please do so now on my site. He won't be able to post a comment back to you, but I'm sure he'll reference the comments from time to time in his notes to me. I know Jon would really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Sheryl

Thanks from Jon and Back-to-School Night

Jon sends a note of thanks:

“I’d like to thank Marlaine, Joan, Sandy, Jeanne, Arline, Kareline, and Linda of the Military Prayer Group at a church in Patchogue, NY for your prayers, your encouragement, and support. The Scripture verses you sent me were very uplifting. I am so encouraged that folks are praying for me, people that I have never met, even, adding to the blessings I experience daily in what could otherwise be a very unpleasant situation. I do not take such things lightly or for granted. Perhaps, when this tour is over, I’ll get a chance to meet each of you and thank you in person.

I received a snail mail card from Judy—very encouraging, thank you so much, it is great to hear from you. Letters addressed to me with ANY rank in front of the name will get here just fine, even no rank or “Mr.”, all the guys in the mail section know who I am. I appreciate the moto mails I’ve received, as well—thanks, all of you, for taking the time to engage in what you know is one way communication.

Semper Fi (posted on behalf of JarHedJon by Sheryl)”

Last night was Back-to-School Night at Joshua's school. First grade is definitely going to be different from Kindergarten. The students are now required to speak Spanish in class. Mrs. Hamidi told us last night that when the children speak to her in English she tells them in Spanish that she doesn't understand. Of course the kids are too smart for that and they respond with, "Yes, you do." I signed up to be Room Mom and then this morning recruited a bilingual Mom to be Co-Room Mom with me. It is so great to be at San Juan Elementary with the opportunity to interact with people who speak Spanish as well as parents of other ethnic backgrounds.

That's the latest for the "home front."

Sheryl

Still under an avalanch

Jon and I were able to talk on the phone last night for a while, but I had a bad headache and so it wasn't our best conversation. Fortunately I am feeling much better this morning. I think I must have gotten dehydrated, but after a good night's sleep I am feeling fine.

This morning Jon wrote, "[I am] still practically avalanched with work, but I feel positive about being able to eventually get to where I need to be on it. The projects that I’ve been sidetracked on have gone well, too, which has certainly helped me maintain a positive attitude."

Thanks for remembering us.

Sheryl

An Invigorating Saturday

Saturdays in the fall at our house involve a soccer game and whatever else we think of. Joshua is enjoying playing goalie one quarter on his AYSO soccer team. He had a few great saves today and has an excellent kick to clear the ball down the field.

After our game we joined about 50 people who were volunteering for California Coastal Cleanup Day, working to clear garbage from our local San Juan Creek. We only worked about an hour and a half, but found plenty of junk. I thought the most interesting thing we found was the rusted bed springs. Joshua thought the 10 foot-long plastic pipe full of sand was the most interesting. He recruited half a dozen teenagers who were just finishing their work to help us lug the heavy pole back to the park, where the garbage was being collected. Joshua and I talked about the reason we were doing this project -- to follow God's instructions to care for His creation. To top it off, we had fun together, were served hot dogs for lunch and got free T-shirts.

After finishing our Monopoly game, building a fort, and doing a bunch of laundry Joshua and I road our bikes into town to experience the Peoples Festival and Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day Celebration. We enjoyed the native dances and songs, some delicious tacos and Joshua loved the bubble gum sno-cone.

What a day! Hope your Saturday was enjoyable.

Please remember Jon. He is swamped with work and barely has time to send me short e-mails. Tomorrow will be exactly 7 months since Jon left. That means we're close to being able to say "5 months till Jon comes home." Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

Sheryl

Updates

The second week of school has gone well and Joshua and I are both adjusting to the fall routine. Please keep Jon in your prayers. He and I tried to IM (instant message) the other day and Jon discovered that there wasn't enough bandwidth on his end, so that was disappointing. Here's a note he sent today.

"I’m way behind in my work, as I’m trying to do two jobs this month vice just the one (which was overwhelming enough as it was). The situation that I recently asked prayer for has been generally resolved in a positive way—thank you so much for your prayers. There is always the possibility that though all the ships are back with the flotilla, one of them had a time bomb placed on board that could go off anytime in the future. We’ve done all we can reasonably do to uncover a bomb or minimize its impact—but time and the flotilla must go on. Some continued prayer that the flotilla arrives at its destination safely would be much appreciated (though the destination port is a long way off).

Situation Report: The geese are doing well, the chow is still awesome, there is still not enough time in the day, and every day of the week is a Monday. This is a classic example of the old Air Force acronym, SNAFU (situation normal, all fouled up). If I told you I’d keep you posted if anything changes, you’d never hear from me again…

Semper Fi from JarHedJon (posted by Sheryl)"

Thanks for remembering all of us.

Sheryl

Floating down the Merced River

Just got a bunch of pictures from the friends we ran into at Yosemite. They took pictures of Joshua and me floating down the Merced River. Here's a cute one of Joshua.

Sheryl

Final Trip Pictures

After a week of work I finally have figured out how to post pictures to this blog again. They are "upgrading" the system, but of course that means that somethings don't work quite right for a while. So now I can post a few pictures from our time in Yosemite.

We arrived mid-day on Monday, August 28th. We got settled in our wood cabin in Curry Village, went for a swim in the cold pool and then took a ride around the valley in the free shuttle. We got off and hiked to the foot of Yosemite Falls only to be shocked at the lack of water. We have only been to Yosemite twice and both times were in May when there is water everywhere. There are waterfalls on every cliff in the valley, but at the end of the summer, it is a different story. That evening I got this shot of Half Dome at sunset. That was our view from Curry Village. Pretty awesome, huh?

Tuesday was our day to hike the Mist Trail (without the mist) up to Nevada Falls. Joshua and I have hiked to these falls twice before but always on the John Muir Trail which is longer but not as steep. The Mist Trail has many, many granite steps that seem to go straight up the side of the cliff. But Joshua and I have discovered that if we make up stories together (one of us starts and then we take turns adding to the story), we can distract ourselves into climbing much further than we thought we could. Here we are on that trail half way to Vernal Falls, which are the lower set of falls.

Tuesday evening after the climb the pool at Curry Village felt very refreshing. And amazingly enough we ran into friends from Joshua's school. They had been inner tubing on the Merced River that day and were preparing to hike the Mist Trail on Wednesday. So I gave them a little advice and they loaned us their tubes.

Wednesday Joshua and I started off with a little shopping in the village and then a bike ride. Of course I had to get the shot of him with Half Dome in the background. But the topper for the ride was right at the end. We had about 5 minutes to get our bikes back and as we buzzed past one of the meadows we saw one of the tour groups stopped and everyone pointing to the grass. We screeched our brakes and there were two stags relaxing in the shade. They just sat and allowed us to take our pictures. It was a wonderful treat for us.

I don't have pictures documenting our afternoon float down the Merced, but I promise you we did it. I think the water was just a few degrees above freezing. My legs and hands finally got numb enough to kick and paddle. The river was quite shallow in places and there was a breeze blowing up the valley, so at times we floated up stream. After a couple hours we had floated about half a mile and met our friends who had arrived back from their day of hiking.

All in all, it was a fabulous vacation. Of course we missed Jon a lot, since the outdoors is such a huge part of who he is. But I was proud of myself for taking Joshua on this adventure by myself and for having a great time. Our return trip wasn't nearly as fun as the train ride up the coast. We took a small van ride from Yosemite to Merced, following the river, which was a beautiful ride. Then we caught the train to Bakersfield. But there is no train over the Grapevine, so we got packed into a bus with less leg room than a airline coach seat for a two hour ride to LA Union Station. We had an hour and a half wait at Union Station, which was an interesting experience in itself. Finally caught the Surfliner back to San Juan, where we arrived at about 9:30 p.m. Thanks to our friends Pam and Cory, our car was waiting for us and we were home and in bed at a decent hour.

So now you are all caught up on our trip and I'll go back to posting current news.

Sheryl

Dealing with Frustration

I have been frustrated by my blog service in the past week. For a while I couldn't gain access to post a blog. Then when I final got access yesterday I couldn't post any pictures. But of course that is nothing compared to Jon's frustration right now at not being able to keep up his own blog. He sent me another message to pass on to you who are reading.

"One of the Marine Corps’ 11 Leadership Principles is, “Know yourself and seek self improvement.” This is a lifetime process, of course, and from a Mission Accomplishment perspective, the ease with which one’s self knowledge is increased is inversely proportionate to the number of relationships one has outside of the mission. When attempting to accomplish a series of tasks in the pursuit of a larger goal, relational involvement can consumes energy, distract focus, contribute to indecisiveness, and weaken resolve. Consciously disengaging from or avoiding relationships in the pursuit of self knowledge and self improvement, however, can be proven to be equally ‘crippling.’ We are deprived of the very context that makes self knowledge and self improvement essential to the maturing process. We have no social context in which our own priorities can be reflected, mirrored, or shown in the more universal light of benefiting or detracting from the advancement of our universal physical, mental or spiritual development. This is sometimes how I feel over here: perhaps I am learning more about myself and able to apply this knowledge to more ably accomplish the tasks I’m assigned; however, I feel more and more disconnected from the very persons, community, and culture that give meaning or provide the necessity of accomplishing those tasks. Finding balance is not easy, as the tasks ARE HERE and the contexts that give them meaning ARE NOT. Posted for JarHedJon by Sheryl"

Thank you for praying for Jon and remembering him. If you want to post a comment to my blog, he should be able to read it.

Sheryl