Thanksgiving 2008

Here are a few tidbits from Jon. He worked all day and well into the night on Thanksgiving day. He is grateful that his busy schedule is helping to make the time go by faster.


"The weather is making it less enjoyable [here], it is cold and blustery (highs are mid 60's, lows are mid 40's, winds up to 25mph), the last 48 hours or so have been rainy, though not the downpour we need, just a smattering, enough moisture to muddy things up a bit (literally--this mud here is like sticky glue)."


He also asked for prayer about that tooth that first bothered him early in 2006. "I have in the last week become aware of a pretty acute level of sensitivity to the ingestion of cold food on my one tooth (that gave me problems during my deployment in 2006). There are no other problems associated with it, but my life could quickly become beyond miserable if this thing goes south quickly." Thanks for keeping him in your prayers.


Joshua and I had a fabulous Thanksgiving. We enjoyed turkey, ham and ALL the fixings with a group of 18 extended family members, including 4 grandmas and 1 grandpa. Oh, yes, there were many fights over precious baby Sean. This picture is compliments of my photographically talented brother-in-law Sonny (also known as the father of Sean). Joshua and I spent the night at Steve and Sandi's and I enjoyed a relaxing day while Joshua played with his cousins. We even found a couple geocaches on our way home Friday afternoon.


We spent Saturday putting up our Advent and Christmas decorations, having a soccer practice in preparation for those regional playoffs next weekend, and then went to see "Bolt" with some friends from school.


Today was a restful day as we finished up our Christmas decorations, talked to Jon on the phone, decorated a store-bought gingerbread house and found 3 of the 6 geocaches we were looking for. We even ran into a man who was geocaching when he found us behind a bush and called out, "Are you guys geocaching." :) Caught! The three of us together couldn't find the next cache on our list, but it was fun to share the search.


I hope that this advent season is full of many new discoveries as you "wait" and anticipate what God's coming into the world means for you.


Sheryl

Gratitude

I am thankful for so many things this year.
* My husband is safe, able to e-mail me almost every day and call me weekly.
* I have immensely enjoyed the time I've spent with my son this year.
* God has blessed me with friends through my church and Joshua's school who love me in so many ways.
* I have a new home (not quite a year old) that is lovely, spacious and keeps me warm and protected from the elements.
* I have more than enough food and take clean water for granted.
* God has opened my eyes to amazing opportunities to serve his body and the world around me.
* Our family has been healthy this year -- a few colds and stomach flue really don't count on the spectrum of health struggles.
* I live in a country where I can worship when and where I want with other believers.
* I live in a diverse country where people with diametrically opposing views can argue and debate openly without going to war and killing each other.
* Today I will be able to join with most of my extended family to celebrate a holiday that reminds us all to stop and express our gratitude.

I am blessed in so many ways. I hope you have a wonderful day expressing your gratitude for the life you have with people you love.

As you begin this advent season (November 30), I'd encourage you to check out the video on this website http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ and think about how you might make Advent and Christmas more meaningful this year.

Blessings,

Sheryl

More Mail Arrives

Once again, a BIG thanks to all of you who have taken the time to write to Jon or send him packages. They are a huge blessing and encouragement to him. This just in from him.

The mail, though I don't think it's completely on track yet, is at least starting to function in a limited fashion. To illustrate, I just received a Moto Mail from Joe dated 09 October, and one from Lina dated 26 September. Moto Mails are basically teletype messages that are electronically delivered to the postal address closest to my unit in less than 24 hours from submission, so obviously something is still "broken" here, but at least I received them :) I also received a heart-warming envelope from Tiffany and the Star Wars cast, thanks, you guys, for thinking of me... Barbara, thanks so much for the card and the picture taken above the San Clemente pier, it reminds me that Marines actually have a uniform besides MARPATDDCU (Marine Corps Pattern Digital Desert Combat Utilities); I also have your picture of the Pilgrim entering Dana Point on my desk (which I received from Sheryl). I also received an encouraging note from Al and Enid, a card and some newsy letters from Helen, and inspiring and supportive card/letter from Dick and Doris, a card from Uncle Pat and Aunt Sharon (thanks so much for the encouraging Scripture references), and certainly not least, a card from Sheryl :)

This will be my first full week since returning from R&R in which I will be fully plugged back into the Battle Rhythm (I've been functioning as a member of the Command Element--CE-- Advanced Echelon--ADVON--for my unit up until now). "Battle Rhythm" is the military staff buzz word that really means "all the meetings you have to go to, all the administrative deadlines you have to meet, and to whom all your deliverables are due." So far, halfway into my busiest day (Mondays, as Murphy's Law would have it), things are actually on track. Thanks so much, all of you, for your prayers and support. Semper Fi, Jon G.

A Fun Thanksgiving Week

Joshua and I had a wonderful Saturday to start off his week-long Thanksgiving holiday from school. After doing our chores around the house, we headed to the South Coast Repertory to see the play "Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing" with a group of 17 friends from Joshua's school. The South Coast Rep is a great theater, especially for children since it is not too big and every seat has an excellent view of the stage. After the play the 6 adults and 11 children took about a half mile walk across a few bridges, threw a couple malls to grab lunch and then back. It was a beautiful fall day in Southern California -- blue skies and low 70s.

After saying good bye to our friends, Joshua and I drove a few blocks north to visit my cousin Richard France, who we haven't seen in years. He has his own locksmith shop and can't get away very often. It was great to chat with him while Joshua was entertained by the cockatiel Richard was pet sitting for a friend.

Then we headed further north to visit my parents who were babysitting my nephew Sean for the weekend. Joshua and I enjoyed visiting with Sean (and my parents too, of course). Joshua fed Sean and had a great time playing with him. Then we stayed for dinner to top off a great Saturday.

Last night to top off the weekend, Joshua's friend Charlie came for a sleep over. The boys played soccer on the porch, touch football in the living room, board games and watched a video before heading to bed at 9:00. Of course when I went to bed at 10:30 they were still whispering in their fort (under their beds). Not sure when they fell asleep but they were up before 6:30 this morning. Yawn!

Joshua and I have fun plans for this week of no school. Today we will join some school friends for bowling in the morning and soccer practice in the afternoon. Tomorrow we will join members of our church as we host hundreds of Marines for a Thanksgiving dinner down at Camp Pendleton. Wednesday evening Joshua will sing with the Youth Choir at our church's Thanksgiving Eve service. Thursday we'll drive to Escondido to spend the day with our family. It looks to be a wonderful week that we are very thankful for.

Blessings to you this Thanksgiving week. I hope you will be aware of the many ways God has blessed your life this year.

Sheryl

Joshua's Soccer Team Wins Championship

Yesterday was an exciting day for the Blue Smashing Warriors and their parents. We met the #1 team in our league for an 8:00 am game. It was a tough game, but the boys played so well together. We had great saves by the goalies, excellent defense and outstanding offense. In the end we won and headed home to rest for our 3:30 championship game.

Joshua started getting a cold Friday night and after the game Saturday morning, he was pretty exhausted. He rested on the couch and took a nap during the few hours of down time. I was able to e-mail Jon and ask him to call Joshua to find out the news. Jon was still up at 11:00 pm his time and called Joshua, which was a thrill for him to share the great news of their win with his dad.

Up until this year every child who plays AYSO soccer has gotten a small trophy, but this year the only children to get trophies are those who place 1st - 3rd during the season or 1st - 3rd in the playoffs, so the boys were "playing for trophies" and by winning that morning, they knew they'd get a trophy.

It was back to the field at 2:45 to warm up for the game. Of course it was in the high 80s or low 90s so the boys were warm soon enough. We were facing the Tsunamis who had beaten us in a practice game and then we had beaten in one of the season games. The Tsunamis started off strong and scored two goals in the first quarter. We came back and tied the game in the second quarter. The final half our boys were in great form and scored two more goals to win 4-2.

Our season started the last week in August when these 12 boys came together for the first time. Very few of them even knew each other, but coaches Ajay and Chris, did a great job of training them and bringing them together as a team. By our final games every boy was playing as part of the team. It was fun to watch them work together and winning was icing on the cake.

The surprising news, that we got just before the championship game, is that the winning team will probably go on to play other AYSO Region champs, so maybe we'll have another game. We enjoyed a fun pizza party last night to celebrate the season but it would be fun to get together again with these great new friends.

Sheryl

Thank you from Al Asad

Jon finally has had enough time to write an update for the blog. The picture is of him and a group of Marines celebrating the Marine Corps' 233rd birthday.

Greetings from Al Asad:

It is a matter of public record now that my unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, is headquartered at this air base in western Iraq (Al Anbar Province). The mail has finally been fixed, and over the next few days they should be able to get all the mail correctly routed. I'd like to especially thank Steve and Carolyn, my Mom and Dad, Wyndi and her K-class (your Birthday Greetings on the Corps' 233rd birthday are very special) and Sheryl and Joshua for their packages (as I type this message, I'm listening to music because I received the batteries I needed for my MP3 player; I'm eating candy and grub I'm sure I need to supplement my diet--I've dropped to around 175; and I've got a couple good books to read...).

I'd like to thank the folks who took the trouble to actually pen snail mail, in today's convenient world I view this as an intentional commitment to communicate (for which I am the grateful recipient): Uncle Dan and Aunt Glenda, Uncle Ron and Aunt Marcia, Uncle Jim and Aunt Ruth, Joshua who sent me his school picture (he looks SO handsome), Dave and Cathy and their family, Sonny and Sandy, Joe and Helen, Steve and Claire, Chris (I totally dig your photographs!), and Ryan (talk to me about being a Jr. High volunteer when I get back, it sounds like more fun than just being an elder).

Finally, I'd like to thank those whom I consider the most "self-less" writers, whose correspondence cannot possibly be answered in kind--Moto Mailers: Bruce (more than one!), Lina, and Joe.

My life is truly enriched by all of you, and I certainly appreciate your support and your prayers. Oorah and Semper Fi.

Plumbing problem repaired

Thanks for your prayers. The plumbing problem at our house in Orange has been repaired. It wasn't cheap, but it is done.

The pipes for the downstairs portion of our house all go through the floor. The leak was in the hot water line under the master bathroom. The plumber was able to reroute the pipe and took it up through the attic and down the wall behind the sink. The plumber used a machine to check for dampness under the house but could not detect any. He said the soil must be really sandy and rocky. Yippee! Finally a benefit to the horrible soil for planting and digging trenches for sprinkler lines. The company sent out an extra worker so they finished before 4:00 pm, which was nice since I had plans last night.

The plumber discovered that the water pressure coming into our house is at 90 psi instead of the recommended 60 psi. I'm sure the high pressure is not helping our 40+ year old pipes, so we will probably spend a little more to have a regulator installed to control the water pressure into the house.

Hey, at least we are investing in the local economy. I'd highly recommend that if you have a few dollars to invest (we don't), you put it in plumbing companies. No matter how bad the economy is, if you have a leak in your pipes or your toilet won't flush, you are going to call a plumber.

Jon celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday yesterday. Maybe he'll be able to send some pictures and a little write up later this week.

Joshua had a fabulous time with his friends yesterday. He got to play with Max and Maxie most of the day, had soccer practice and then played Wii with his friend Noah during the evening. I owe a big thanks to my friends Kris M. and Jim H. for helping me out with childcare.

Sheryl

A day at the Zoo

Since today I will be up at our house in Orange with the plumber, I decided to take Joshua to the San Diego Zoo yesterday after church. We were able to meet up with my cousin Kimberly and her daughter Natalie and enjoyed a couple hours cruising the beautiful park-like setting of the zoo. Most of the big cats were up and about so that is always exciting. Of course Natalie was thrilled to find a leaf while visiting the hippo tank.

Joshua and I searched for 4 geocaches around the Zoo in Balboa Park, but we were only successful in finding one, which Joshua discovered. Oh, well, it is a beautiful place to walk and hike and be outside together. Joshua is sitting on the "waterfall roots" of two huge trees in the park.

On our way home we stopped at Kimberly & Nate's home so we could at least say "Hi!" to Nate. He is hard at work on a Masters at UCSD and so he couldn't join us at the Zoo. These are the cousins our extended family surprised a couple months ago by setting up their apartment for them when they moved here from Minnesota. It was fun to be in their home again now that it is all set up and warm and cozy. Natalie was intrigued by Joshua and me and we loved playing with her.

I'm off to the house in Orange shortly. Thank you for your prayers.

Sheryl

This just in from Jarhedjon

As I enter the final one fourth of my deployment, I thought it symbolic to provide a snapshot of a sunset. This was taken by a fellow Service member who takes better pictures than I, though I was there at the time. Mail is still very messed up (I have not recieved any mail per the "normal" channels that was mailed since I arrived back from R&R), though there are promises to resolve all these difficulties shortly. My health continues to be sufficient to the task, and I am continually reminded of God's blessing and provision in the midst of a time of pretty concerted industry. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers.

A busy October

I would appreciate your prayers regarding what could be a huge plumbing problem at our house in Orange. I received an e-mail from one of our friends who rents from us describing what sounds like a leak under the house. As I mentioned a month or so ago, we are starting to have a few plumbing problems with our 40+ year old home and those tend to be expensive. I guess the good news is that we will be supporting the economy by investing in a plumbing company. Please pray that I will stay calm and think clearly when meeting with the plumber next week. Joshua has Monday and Tuesday off from school, so I have arranged a play date for him so I can be at the house with the plumber.

Since I am finally back on the blog, I might as well update you on all of our lives. Jon's life has continued to be very busy as the transition of his unit to the new base has had many problems which were beyond his control. By the end of the month he expects to be back to his "old" job, which may or may not cause him to be busier than he is now. Please continue to pray for him to stay healthy. He fought off a cold this past month but he often does not get enough sleep, so that doesn't help. We have heard the first (I know it will change) date for his departure from his current location. It is what we have been anticipating. The encouraging thing is that we are getting close enough to his departure that they are starting to pick dates.

Last week Joshua had a couple days off from school due to parent/teacher conferences. He and I enjoyed some time at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and he was able to spend an overnight with his cousin Evan. Joshua chose to dress up as Harry Potter for Halloween, which was great for me as it was a very inexpensive costume and he looked quite cute. He was thrilled when neighbors who were handing out candy recognized him.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that his photos and video were selected to move up to the next level of the PTA Reflections contest. There will be an art show at our local high school in a couple weeks displaying his work and all of the other students in our district whose work was advanced. He is quite excited about adding to his medal count. We'll see what happens. In the mean time, he has had a number of opportunities to participate in after-school art programs at our school.

This weekend the soccer playoffs begin. Joshua's team, the Blue Smashing Warriors have a game this morning. It is single elimination, so we'll see if we are playing next week or not. Their team ended up tied for 4th among the 8 teams in their AYSO league of "under 9 year old" players. They were 3-3-1. I have been pleased that Joshua has gotten to experience winning, losing and even a tie. Lots of great learning experiences for him this year.

I continue to stay busy with PTA activities, meetings at church and have even put in 5 hours of work with FSEA (Future Scientists and Engineers of America) each of the past three weeks. It definitely keeps life moving.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Sheryl