Saturday, July 17, 2010

As time rolls by

I am sitting here at my computer at 5:55 am and have been up all night. I have my days and nights mixed up. I am doing freelance work and find that I write best at night. It is quiet in the house. Andrew is home for the night, at least part of it. He came in around 4am.

I can't believe where my family has come from. My children are all grown. My oldest 33 and my youngest 21. Whew, where did the time go?

Andrew still technically lives at home but only stays here 1-2 nights a week. I think he stays at Tim and Ashley's mostly. He has decided not to move in with them permanently. He and Ashley would not get along. Two more strong willed, independent people cannot be found.

I am struggling both with the worries that some of my children are not where they should be with the Lord. It actually scares me considerably.

Forrest and I are OK. He is still out of work. He claims he will not go back until I am better. That may never happen, who knows. I have limited resources and strength. I can only last a few hours before having to lie down. I am doing freelance work on a few sites. It has brought in about $600 in two weeks. I am getting no help now. I will be filing for disability but that may take a lone time.

I MUST get more work in order to keep up our financial obligations. We have finally paid off the big truck. Whether we can keep it or not is to be determined. We have a great deal of equity in it. The equity would come in handy right now. But my hopes are that I get better and we can camp again. Maybe we could take a few more day trips now and then. I love doing that kind of thing.

Working from home, online is my only option. Employers are not going to hire a person in my condition. I would be a huge liability for them. So, as it stands now, I am still up and going to see if they are any new jobs posted for me to bid on.

Until another time,
T

just keep praying, praying, praying still!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Home Sweet Home!

This day has been a long time coming. Four long years to be exact. Tim left for bootcamp on fathers day 2006. His last day with the Marines will be June 16, 2010. He had a lot of time built up and was able to come home on May 18 and ride out the last 28 days searching for a job. Finding a job was paramount as they were trying to purchase a house and reap the benefits of the $8k incentive. Ashley was able to get a job last Thursday with Food Lion. Tim started working for Allied Barton last week. So they both are employed now and the closing on the house may proceed. It is really a nice house, much nicer than the first place Forrest and I had.

So, with all that being said, I bid "our" service to the United States Marine Corps adeau. I will always be a Marine's mom. I will continue to post here from time to time. This group of people are "family", and will always be near and dear to my heart. If you have a love one in the military, God Bless YOU! I will pray for you and the safety of your hero. We must hold our flag high. We must not let it droop. I don't even like that word, droop. It sounds so forlorn and depressed. Please let us know if your loved one gets deployed. We will continue to pray for them daily. As money becomes available we will send out care packages. I know our daughter, Amanda, is active in a group I believe is Soldiers Angels. She will not lose the passion she has to "care" for our heros. May we all be so noble.

Praying,
T

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Time has flown

So much has happened and I have failed to update things. Tim is stateside since April 2008. He met Ashley Hodge that summer and asked her to marry him in Sept. They were married May 30th 2009 in front 144 guests at Hartis Grove United Methodist Church in Indian Trail. They currently live in Jacksonville but Tim's service will be up this summer and they will be coming home.

We have 4 grandchildren now. Abbigail Lyn is our 4th born March 24 2008. Such a sweetie. Amanda and Martin moved to Texas for which makes me so sad :( I miss them terribly but the opportunities they have been afforded could never have been matched here.

I will try to blog more.

Teresa

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Halfway through

Tim is still deployed. He is halway through his duty. He is doing very well. He misses home. He has a greater sense of compassion for the people. The poverty level there is not seen on TV.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks for praying,

Teresa

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

He is deployed


Let me start by saying, we are bound by OPSEC to not disclose exact locations and pertinent info, so I can only say Tim is now deployed and has gotten to where he was sent. Whew! If you need more info talk to me in person.


Yesterday, Beka saw he was online on my space but he signed off before she could get to him. He later sent a message to us. He has arrive and is fine, just "chillen" I believe is the term he used.


We were with him up until they left. I have some great pictures.


This one get me every time. I was going to take his picture as he boarded the bus, and just as he stepped onto the bus, he turned around and looked at me. His eyes were promising me he would return.



Teresa

Saturday, September 22, 2007

I have him for one more day

I know it has been months since I blogged. My life is very full and very hectic. Tim is being deployed. Because of security I cannot say when or where. Call me if you need specifics.

We are CLJ staying at the campground. It is beautiful weather and where we are staying you actually hear the ocean waves crashing. VERY SOOTHING!

Since I cannot give a lot of details yet, be sure to check back often as I am sure I will post often once he is away.

Please be praying for Tim.

Thanks
Teresa

Sunday, December 17, 2006

I have him for 13 days!!

Tim is home for the next 13 days and I may not post much for a while because every spare moment will be spent with my family. With the probability of his Iraq deployment for a year, this Christmas is going to be focused on family time!

Will be back soon.....

Teresa

Monday, December 11, 2006

Anticipation of a Christmas home coming

Well we have been told Tim will get leave on December 15, 2006 and will be able to leave the base on December 16th. He should be flying home this Saturday, that is IF he passes his finals this wednesday. Which he should, he has passed all the other test and this is a compilation of those test.

We will have him until January 3, 2007 at which time he will be going to his PDS. The PDS is still up in the air but word has trickled down that it will probably be Camp Lejuene. That mean deployment in early 2007.

Please be praying for Tim and us. We will be focusing on quality family time.

Merry Christmas!

Teresa

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

December 5, 2006


On a recent trip to Dallas Texas, our oldest daughter Amanda and her husband took a lengthy detour to Oklahoma to visit Amandas baby brother. He knew they were coming. He was so happy to see them. The smile tells it all.

TALK ABOUT PRICELESS.

CAN'T STOP PRAYING YET!

Teresa

Thursday, November 30, 2006

November 30, 2006

It is very difficult to find time to write this blog. But to make a long story short, Tim is doing well. He is in Oklahoma doing his MOS (military Occupation School). He is a cannon cocker. He will be in OK for another 3 weeks. We don't know his PDS (permanent duty station) yet. We do know it will not be Okinawa. It will be either Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton, NC or CA. We are praying for God's will.

Today, Tim text messaged his sister and brother a picture of the blizzard they are getting in Oklahoma. Martin and Amanda fly out tomorrow for DFW and will drive to OK on Sunday. Please pray for their safe travel and timely return. I would have problems if they are delayed, seeing as we are keeping the kids for the weekend.

I really appreciate all the prayers and covet them still.

Teresa

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Pictures of our time on PI







Saturday, September 30, 2006

Sunday, October 1, 2006


Here he is. This is his formal Marine photo in dress blues.

On Friday September 15th, 2006 his graduation was highly anticipated. It was truly a great day. I think the Family day exercises are the best but graduation had its highlights too.

Gramma and Grampa, Carol, Steve and Ethan, Amanda, Martin, Mason and Coen, Josh, Vanessa and Madison, Rebekah, Daniel, Andrew, Forrest and Myself were all there to cheer him on. We got a great family photo on the bleachers afterward. I will post it too if it will let me.

We had to repair Rebekahs tire before leaving the base. Tim also had some last minute purchases to make for his MCT training.

The ride home on Friday was intermidable. We missed our exit and went out of the way.

We finally got home around 8:30. We had to unload and get ready for the wedding the next day. It was a very exhausting weekend.

Thanks for praying, we felt the prayers.

Teresa


Saturday, September 30, 2006

It has been a while since I posted, but time has moved too quickly and my life has been in fast motion.

In my previous post, I mentioned once at TLF I would post again. Unfortunately, the TLF has no internet connection (phone or cable) and the time flew by so quickly it cannot be considered a vacation.

We arrived at at the base at around 8:30 pm. It was very dark. Check in was flawless due to the preparation information I had received from the message boards. The guard at the gate gave us instructions for get to TLF, I believe it was along the lines of right, left, right. In the dark, it is not that easy. When I say dark, I mean DARK! No street lights, nothing. And to make matters worse their street signs are not the reflective kind most people are used to. They are concrete post with engraved names on them. We accidentally found the TLF after my husband said he saw light and he felt, if it was light it could mean activity. It was! The almost ONLY street light was in the motel (TLF) parking lot. I guess for what we were there for it was ok, but it definitely was not an updated facility. As a matter of fact I don't think the place has had any changes (other than the sheets) since it was built in the 50-60's. My husband commented that you couldn't even call it a motel 6, more like a motel 2 1/2. Not that it was dirty or unkempt, just raw.

On Wednesday, I got up early and drove around, took some pictures and got a feel for the base. I went back to get Forrest and Andrew and we went to the Golf course for breakfast. It was decent food. The history surrounding this island I think was a big surprise to me. It is steeped in history and pride. Rebekah arrived around midday.

We took so many pictures we had to go back and download them before heading to the parade deck to watch the recruits practice. I had read that they would practice on the Wednesday before family day between 3-4 pm. We arrived at about 2:35pm, and there they were. I spotted Tim immediately. So TALL. So skinny! He was in perfect formation. I don't think he spotted us immediately but he definitely did when Andrew ran along side of the platoon as it marched. He kind of slightly shook his head and laughed. After that the excitement in my chest was a pressure to build as the days went on.

That evening we went to Beaufort and ate dinner at JP's. This is a very hospitable diner. The owner came and spoke personally to us and welcomed and congratulated us. It was a very pleasant time. It was pouring rain as we left and headed back to the base. Martin and Amanda went to another restaurant because we didn't know where we would go at the time.

Thursday came, and I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. We got to the parade grounds around 5:45 am. Of course it was raining and the bleachers were wet. I had brought a towel aong but it was insufficient for the task. Once our butts absorbed all the moisture we huddled under our giant umbrella. It was so dark. But here they came. Not that we could see them, but we HEARD them. The pounding of their feet and the cadence of their voices was a very daunting experience. They halted on the parade deck and jogged or bounced in place until I thought I would go mad waiting for this to get underway. We couldn't see where Tim was because of the darkness. Then they were off. You could still hear them even when they were blocks away. The time flew. Before long they were headed back and you could feel the pounding of the pavement beneath your feet. I strained to seek Tim out and could not. Martin said he got a good shot of him. I saw a quickie freeze frame, but to me it didn't look like him. We later played it back on the TV and sure enough it was Tim. He was one on the "orange vest" runners. These runners have speed on their side and race ahead to block traffic for the rest to come through. Then they race to the next spot ahead of the pack.

We had to be back at the indoor stadium for the EGA awards at 1:00pm. We got there around 11:00 to hear the CO talk and then it started filling up with ceremony crowds. We nexteled Josh and the rest to tell them to come on. The place was PACKED by the time they got there. People were sitting on the stairs.

This ceremony will forever be in my mind and the moment I first I got to touch Tim in three months. The pinning ceremony was AWESOME! When it was over and they dismissed the new Marines for family day, we were sitting on the top of the bleachers and the race and flood of people kind of intimidated me so I froze for a few moments. Once I felt I could get down the stairs safely, I proceeded. On the floor of the stadium there were folding chairs lined up for additional seating. They blocked my way. I can remember tossing them away as I forge ahead toward my goal. TIM. When we reached each other, time froze and all I could think of was, God, please stopped time and let me just look at him. Then he hugged me and I lost it. I cried. He cried. I couldn't let him go. It took several minutes for the rest of the family to come back into focus. Then, it was Forrest's turn. He and Tim hugged and I saw Forrest crack. He was barely containing it.

We went outside to begin our "family day". My camera still clicking. We walked back to the car and I couldn't stop the questions. Tim said for us to go out to the rifle range for our picnic. So we did. The time flew. I panicked several times because I knew there were certain things Tim wanted to do with us that day and everyone seemed to be happy to just kick back and take a load off. My nerves were raw. The wind was blowing and pieces of trash kept blowing off the picnic table. Mason and Madison seemed to be caught up in the excitement and were rambunctious. Everything seemed larger than it was. I lost my composure and snapped at people. I was worried about Tim enjoying his day, getting to do what he wanted and how everyone was wanting to take him away from me. I totally lost it. Then the family grumbles ricocheted and we all realized about the same time that Tim was standing there grinning from ear to ear. When he realized he had our attention, he shook his head and said, "God, I've missed this" and we finally relaxed. The family arguments are deeply rooted in us and I guess he needed to feel at "home", so we had obliged.

We finally got back on the road and went to the MCX (PX) and then on to the museum. We spent an enormous amount of time there. It was exhausting.

We got Tim back to his barracks on time. He raced off to get in. My heart stopped as I watched him go. When we got back to the TLF we realized Rebekah had a flat on her car. We were all too tired to mess with it then.

I will write more later. I have to run.

But I am still praying, praying, praying.

Thanks.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

T-67, day 85

Today, we are headed to Parris Island to pick up our "soon to be" United States Marine!!

I am beyond excited. We WILL be taking LOTS of pictures.

As soon as we get checked in at TLF, (Temporary Lodging Facility) on base I will log in and give a report. Our pickup(ruby) is in the shop so we are driving a little Explorer. I've dubbed her "whitey".

I want to thank each and every one who has said even one prayer for us and Tim. You don't know how much I appreciate it. God has been so merciful to us. Thank you for interceding!

God Bless.

Just keep praying, praying, praying.

HE CALLED!

Tim called home at 3:20pm Sunday and we spoke for about 12 minutes. His voice was normal. We had been told most recruits voice is gruff. He is anxious to get home. He sounded WONDERFUL!

Forrest and I had a phone extension, the only other extension was shared by Amanda, Beka and Andrew. We all got to get a little bit of talk in.

Thank you ALL, who prayed for us and Tim. We are headed to PI.

Just keep praying, praying, praying.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Sunday, September 10, 2006

H-11, day 83

It is Sunday, and we are supposedly getting a call today from Tim. I am up and worried that we will not get the call. I wasn't worried until Forrest woke me up at 4:00am wanting to know what would happen if we didn't get the "call". I calmly explained, numerous times, he WOULD call. Well what if he didn't? On and on he went about it until I was sure Tim is hurt and lying in a ditch somewhere out there and that it happened during the crucible and know one knows he's missing. He hasn't written, called or anything and I had already been beating down fears and worries. I really had conquered this because the Lord had strengthened me. But with Forrests constant bombardment of worries he has brought to surface all the fears again. I am terrified. Please God, give me peace, give me strength. Help me. for I cannot even find strength to pray.

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Saturday, September 9, 2006

T-65, day 82

We leave in four days for Parris Island.

My excitement has reached a record point. I cannot fathom what it will be like. Is he skinny? Has he freckled more? Does he have a place of leadership? Does confidence exude from him?

Today is Saturday. I have a wedding exactly one week from today. Since we will be gone most of the week, I have a lot of prep to do and errands. I will have to visit my storage facility today. Gathering everything will be key.

Back to Tim, I am not quite sure why letters have completely stopped but it has been 17 days since we received one. I know he gets to call tomorrow, but those letters were fuel for my soul each week.

Today, Tim has core values, PT and a field meet. It is beautiful outside, hopefully everything will be effortless for him at this point in his training. Tomorrow will be the infamous Liberty Sunday with him being able to call home. I am soooooo looking forward to hearing his voice.



Just keep praying, praying, praying. PLEASE!

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

T-61, day 78

We leave for Parris Island in a week from today. I cannot wait. It just seems surreal. I am moving in automation because my thoughts are on planning for next week. I am truly as excited as I can possibly be.

Today, the matrix says Tim will have dental appointments. Tomorrrow is the Final drill. Yesterday he would have completed the 171 question test. After tomorrows drill he is home free. Most of the folowing activities are just routine. On Thursday he will have a performanced based testing of PT. Since he has already smoked his PFT's this is just to see if he can get his numbers up anymore.

They can't really fail the final drill at this point. They can just not be first place.

I am still waiting for a letter. It has almost been two weeks since we got one. Wednesday will be the two week mark.

I have ordered buttons for everyone to wear. You know, "the proud MOM of Tim" kind.

I have his scrapbook almost finshed, at least as finished as it can be seeing as how he has only completed 3 months of his eight year term. (four active, four inactive)

Well I am off to work.

Just keep praying, praying, praying.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Sunday, September 3, 2006


H-10, day 76

Only 10 days left till family day.

As I sit here writing this I am so down because we received NO letters this week. Although he completed the crucible last week we still should have gotten a letter from this past Sunday. I cannot believe he just didn't write. I feel like sometimes my first words out of my mouth to Tim will be rabidily spat out, "why only thirteen letters in thirteen weeks"? That is only one a week and one was the "I have arrive" form letter and one a quick note, saying, here, here is some graduation info.

I believe he may have tried to call me today. Not sure. The number came up as unknown and I couldn't get it out of my purse and opened fast enough before they hung up. I was crushed. It is very possible it was him because several of the parents on the message boards got calls today.

This week cannot go by fast enough.

The news today mentioned a Marine that had been killed in Iraq that is from Charlotte. This Marine even went to Providence High School and graduated in 2003. He was a ROTC student so I am sure Tim probably knew him. Please be praying for this family.

Here is a link to the Charlotte Observer and the article. http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/15430486.htm

As Tim comes to the end of bootcamp and whole new and different set of circumstances come into play, I continue to ask....

Please! Just keeping praying, praying, praying.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Friday, September 1, 2006

T-58, day 74

12 days until family day.

The CRUCIBLE is finally over. This has definitely felt like labor pains. Never has 54 hours gone so slow. No, I take that back. When Tim was 15 months old and in the pediatric ICU, time stood still. This almost compares.

I hope he is riding on cloud nine. I am sure his first order of business after breakfast is to SLEEP!

I am so proud of him, I find myself grinning for no reason.

Thank you, Lord!

We praise your Holy Name!

I still keep praying, praying, praying.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Thursday August 31, 2006

T-57, day 73

13 days until family day.

Day two of the Crucible. As thunderstorms that have nothing to do with Ernesto rattle our home I realize what little sleep Tim got last night, was in a tent and probably leaks. Well the thunder and lightening is getting bad. I am going to have to sign off and come back later.

Ok. The storms have gone on almost all day. I posted a message earlier to one of the message boards, it is a message board for another company of recruits. I am helping this company set up a prayer vigil. It helped me to write about Tim and get my mind off Ernesto. Here is the post.

Our son is Tim. He is in Bravo company and currently on his crucible. The storm is supposedly running north of the island but this momma has still had the anxious moments.Tim is the fourth of our five children. The only one ever planned! Being pregnant with Tim was perfect, no problems. He came into this world just shy of 10 lbs, with bright red hair and a temperment totally opposite. He was the calmest, sweetest baby and remains so to this day. He has a caring spirit and has always been selfless. He once asked his dad to not spank his little brother when his lil' brother had been bad, he actually told his dad to spank him. Tim never wanted to see anyone hurt or suffering. His kindness is very much an awakening to those around him. Tim was our snuggler, and believe me he doesn't care who know this. His favorite pasttime is curling up on the couch and watch something sci-fi or battle film. Grab an afghan and just make it a family affair. Hot cocoa, popcorn and a good movie, and you have made his day.

Tim has wanted to be a Marine for many many years, but after 9/11 his determination never faltered. He joined the DEP program after his junior year. He graduated June 12, 2006 on a Monday and left for bootcamp on fathers day, June 18, 2006. He graduates September 15, 2006. We could not be prouder of him.

Tim has two sisters and two brothers and all have been active in sending him cards and praying for him often. If anything is for sure and if the rumor is true that if you get lots of mail, you'll pay for it by doing PT. Well, Tim now loves PT, because he still asks for more letters and pictures. He complains when he only get 2-3 a day. When you compare it to how many we have from him, ITS JUST NOT FAIR, I tell you. We have 13 letter from him. I sent that many to him the first day we got his "form" letter.

Tim is a Christian and is very active in teaching sunday school in the 3 year old class. They miss Mr. Tim badly.

Girlfiends have come and gone, but Tim said that is ok, he wanted to do this first and then find the right girl. Ok, count to graduation.....13 days....the momma wants more grandbabies!

We can not wait to see that beautiful smile and red head.

Thanks for allowing me to post in this thread it really helped to get my mind off the crucible. Even if you are a believing, praying individual, getting through this crucible is harder on me than child birth. Thank GOD my child birthing was never 54 hours!!
Teresa
Proud Momma of Tim
Charlotte, NC

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

T-56, day 72

First day of crucible. Note the schedule change. The crucible will now be from Wednesday-Friday at Parris Island.

As I headed to work this morning, all I could think about was the crucible and Ernesto. It nearly crippled me with fear. After being up most of the night, praying, reading and walking it was all I could do to focus and drive. Then it came to me...This is what our recruits are feeling. I am reading Beth Moores book on breaking free from spiritual strongholds, and the very part I read about last night, I was experiencing today.

From the book...A stronghold is anything that exalts itself in our minds, "pretending" to be bigger or more powerful than our GOD. It steals much of our focus and causes us to feel overpowered. Controlled. Mastered. Whether the stronghold is an addiction, unforgiveness toward a person who has hurt us, or despair over a loss, it is something that consumes so much of our emotional and mental energy that abundant life is strangled--our callings remain largely unfulfilled and our believing lives are virtually ineffective. Needless to say, these are the enemy's precise goals.

WOW!

We are one with Christ. Why am I allowing the enemy to rob me of my joy? The Bible tells us, God will not put on us more than we can bear. OK.So, our recruits can bear the crucible. God has them in his hands. He holds the world. Just think of what these recruits will have endured. The Crucible is their passage to becoming a Marine. The crucible during a hurricane is their passage into becoming tried, and tested Christians that hold the title of a US Marine. GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!

Father, forgive my unbelief of your encompassing arms. Thanks you for victory. Thank you for reminding me of your power and your presence. Please wrap your arms around our loved ones and hug them until they feel your presence too. Warm their hearts with calmness. We thank you and we praise your Holy Name. Bless the Drill Instructors and families. In Jesus name, AMEN!

Just keep praying, praying, praying.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Monday, August 28, 2006

T-54, Day 70

17 days until family day.

Well its Monday again and I found no spare time to blog over the weekend. I had meetings with clients, church and grandchildren etc. to contend with. I guess busy is a good thing. I have probably booked the client from Saturday. I will hear this morning.

Tim will have his Final PFT's this morning. My prayers are with him. When you go to bed tonight, please pray for him as he will be awakened at a litte after midnight to prepare to leave at 2:00am for the Crucible. The Crucible is the Marines ultimate test of endurance for a recruit. You MUST complete to become a Marine.

Well, as you may know by now, the crucible has been delayed by a day. It will begin on Wednesday. Also, if Ernesto comes as predicted, they will evacuate and Tim's graduation might be delayed. We will hurry-up and wait.

And the client from saturday is now getting married in Miami. When it rains it pours. Such is my life.

Just keep praying, praying, praying.