A Tribute to MY Hero

My Husband, James Brown Jr.

"Somepeople spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made adifference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."

Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985 

Ode to a Marine
By Jeannie Salinski

 

In a crowd you're bound to spot him, he's standing so very tall
Not too much impresses him; he's seen and done it all.
His hair is short, his eyes are sharp, but his smile's a little blue.
It's the only indication of the hell that he's gone through.
He belongs to a sacred brotherhood, always Faithful 'til the end.
He has walked right into battle and walked back out again.
Many people think him foolish for having no regrets
About having lived through many times others would forget.

He's the first to go and last to know, but never questions why,
On whether it is right or wrong, but only do or die.
He walks a path most won't take and has lost much along the way,
But he thinks a lot of freedom, it's a small price to pay.
Yes, he has chosen to live a life off the beaten track,
Knowing well each time he's called, he might not make it back.

So, next time you see a Devil Dog standing proud and true,
Be grateful for all he's given; he's given it for you.
Don't go up and ask him what's it's like to be in war;
Just thank God that it's your country he's always fighting for.
And thank him too for all the hell he's seen in that shade of green,
Thank him for having the guts to be a United States Marine

Monday is Memorial Day--Our soldiers and veterans deserve our thanks.

Semper Fidelis

Always Faithful

A Few Friday Photos

Liberty ~ 9 months old

The Dreaded Scorpion!

I HATE spiders! Always have. But for the past year, we've had to deal with something that I have come to dread just as much or even more so, and that is scorpions.  I despise them!  I guess their not poisonous though, we have a daughter that lives to tell the tale of a scorpion sting, (it happened while she was sleeping) but it still doesn't mean I have to like them though.  Tell me, how would YOU feel if you knew something like this was lurking in YOUR house?  That's what I thought ☺

 

Photo credit: Rachel Brown

Bargain Savvy?

I LOVE a good bargain!! But unless it hits me head on, I don't usually go out of my way to find them. For instance, I'm not very savvy when it comes to coupons and such, even though I would love to be on the coupon bandwagon....it just seems to take so much of my time. So, like I said, unless it hits me on the head or I stumble across it in the store, (which I do occasionally) then it will just have to pass me by. Today just happens to be one of those days that a GREAT deal hit me upside the head!! And of all things.....it's toilet paper. But, a good deal is a good deal, and beggars can't be choosers, so here is the deal....Get 120 rolls of T.P. for only $16.00! Hurry over to Staples and follow the instructions in this POST and you will have T.P. delivered right to your door....and you won't have to buy any for a looong time!  But hurry, the deal is for today only!!

Another Birthday....AND a Wedding!

We had another birthday over the weekend! Kirstie turned 13, and we now have 3 teenagers lurking in our house! Actually, if you've ever watched Jeff Allen then you would know that we have 3 geniuses in our house! Anyway, she has finally reached her teen years. 

Just to recap our weekend, James performed a wedding in our previous town of Sylvania. It was a beautifully traditional wedding and it was a beautiful day for it.  (even if it was a bit hot)  It was a blessing to witness their covenant of marriage.

No words necessary...

A Birthday AND a WINNER!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday.  All of the kids gave me special cards, handmade jewelry, candy, and a beautiful poem by my oldest daughter, Rachel.  It was also our *little* Maggie's 10th birthday....it is HARD to believe she is 10 years old now!!

This is also the day to announce our 100 post giveaway winner!!  We drew names the old-fashioned way...

(I think Clara was thinking her name was in the basket...lol)

And the winner is ...

Thanks so much to all who entered my giveaway!  It was fun!  I will be having another giveaway on my other blog in a week or so, so be sure to check back.

( Latisa, just email me your address and I will send your gift out pronto! )

We're having a giveaway!!

We finally made it to 100 posts! Actually 102, but who's counting? Anyway to celebrate our achievement ☺ we are having a giveaway! I love blog giveaways, even if I have never won a single one yet!! As you can see in the picture, I am giving away 3 books, (Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George, Reforming Marriage by Douglas Wilson, and Training Children in Godliness by Jacob Abbott) and 3 handmade washrags knitted by my very own daughter, Rachel Brown. I will keep this giveaway open until Sunday evening (Mother's Day) and proclaim the winner on Monday, the 10th. 

You may enter up to 3 times:

1st entry: just leave your first name and last initial (and any comments that you so desire....just be nice :)
2nd entry: follow my blog ...the link is at the bottom of the page. (and if you already are, just leave another comment telling me so)
3rd entry: blog about my giveaway on your blog or post a link on Facebook and make sure to come back and leave a comment :)

Thanks so much for participating!!  I almost feel giddy!

A Beautiful Poem...

Their Love Grows Stronger With Each Passing Day

Written by Rachel Brown (our oldest daughter)

Upon the alter they both kneel,
their wedding vows they soon will seal.

Their troth and love are tightly bound,
with a small and tiny whispering sound.

Upon the Bride's cheeks the tears now glisten;
close together, side-by-side, their hearts to each other listen.

They covenant together for a life that will ne'er end;
their true love to others they will never lend.

Hands clasped together tightly,
they do not take their devotion lightly.

Praying, the minister bows his head,
for God to bless this couple in the years ahead.

Trials will come upon the way,
but love must rule heartily without delay.

Their dependence and trust God holds in His hand;
both hearts are knit together in an iron-clad band.

Now the years have flown away;
their love grows stronger with each passing day.

Children romp in the home built of love;
it was established by God in the heavens above.

Man and Wife they both still be;
God's light they've shown for all to see.

Together they'll grow old and gray;
both hearts the love price they still will pay.

When wrinkles come, and bones begin to ache,
they'll love each other more for each one's dear sake.

Finally, when the old years have entered,
on love they both will still be centered.

Fresh and young they both once were;
together they are united in God's love sure.

But as the young years die away,
their love still grows stronger will each passing day.