CHRISTMAS NEST

Foyer

Family Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

HAPPY NEW YEAR

http://www.icq.com/img/friendship/static/card_16961_rs.swf

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

WOW! This is the first time in 8 years we have not traveled for Christmas! It was WONDERFUL! But better than that was the fact we had Christmas with our children TOGETHER on Christmas Eve for dinner. My parents, sister and her husband and son, our son and fiancee were here for Christmas dinner. Our daughter and husband traveled to NC to be with his Dad and family. What a blessing it was to have everyone in our nest. I love being HOME for Christmas!!!!!!!! Maybe by next Christmas I will find the ornaments for my tree!!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day as we celebrated the birth of our Saviour, Jesus...Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, THERE is just something about that name!!

THANKS TO OUR SOLDIERS

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue.. an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son.."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. May people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrifice themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN

30t h Naval Construction Regiment

OIC, Logistics Cell One

Al Taqqadum , Iraq.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM A SNOWMAN

http://llerrah.com/snowman.htm

THANKS FOR SHARING NEVA!!

THIS IS ABOUT AS CLOSE AS I AM GOING TO GET TO SENDING CHRISTMAS CARDS!! I AM NOT EVEN SURE WHERE THEY ARE!!

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SENT ONE TO US!

BOXES BOXES AND MORE BOXES

We began on Thursday unpacking boxes. We are still unpacking boxes, and I don't see an end in sight!!!!! I should have followed advise and got rid of "stuff" before we moved! Man, are we tired, and am I grouchy!!!!!! We have the bedrooms,office and kitchen in shape for the most part, dining room, some of it is done, too many dishes and glasses!!! I haven't even started unpacking the Longaberger baskets!!!!!!! And therefore, I really don't have much sitting out. By the way it was 71 degrees in Roanoke today!!

I brought my laptop to the house last night, and turned it on at lunch time today. Imagine my surprise when the icon on the bottom said network available...hmmmmm...so I clicked it and I am on someone's system. I am inquiring about a possibility for service, but it sure looks like someone has it...so I should too!!!!!!!!!! Or I will have to keep using a neighbor's until they kick me off.

Too tired to think or type, but there is a little update. Took time off yesterday to go hear Bonsack Baptist Christmas program. What a blessing it was!

MOVING IN DAY

We got a phone call saying our furniture delivery would be delayed several hours because of the snow in OHIO! That really doesn't surprise me, having lived there for 8 years!! So what ever time it arrives tomorrow, Thursday, we will be ready!! We have everything ready to go. I plan to vacuum again in the morning, we put down rugs in the dining room and kitchen eat in area, and have one for the family room. Hopefully, our refrigerator will arrive tomorrow as well. Our phone service was NOT installed on Monday, so not even DIAL UP for the ole computer until next week. I guess I will be going back and forth to my MOMS when I need a fix!! We might stay at parents tomorrow night as well if we need to. Lucky me I have some kind of virus, like a cold, but mostly coughing and at night, so been sleeping (?) in the recliner. Went to dr. today, said I needed to rest HA HA HA!! I said I will get the movers to put my bed up, then I will just go get in it!! I am looking forward to having it all done. Might not be on computer, so feel free to call my cell phone. After I get my phone hooked up next week, I will have free unlimited long distance, so watch for that 540 area code! Ok, now for that rest!!

IT IS OFFICIAL!

We are the proud owners of a 30 year mortgage to a new nest in Vinton, VA. The house is located in Bedford County. We got our keys and garage door openers this morning!! Some minor things we need to do...put up blinds, curtains, paint garage floor..uh, not me! We did some things today. I cleaned windows, vacuumed and clean the floors. Donnie painted in the basement, storage area. He put up one blind. We still have 4 to buy and install. Moving van is scheduled to arrive on Thurs. The only bad news...NO HIGH SPEED INTERNET!!! Back to dial-up so probably won't be posting pictures, unless I have a couple of spare days!!! LOL! I am already tired and we have full week ahead. Will try to keep you updated! If you haven't seen pictures, scroll down the blog..you will see them.

"CARRY ME BACK TO OLE VIRGINNY"

I just had to post this since I am back in Virginia......

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties.

The first man had married a woman from Tennessee and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning. He said it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were done.

The second man had married a woman from Florida . He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and the cooking .On that the first day he didn't see any results,but the next day it w as better. By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done and he had a huge dinner on the table.

The third man married a girl from Virginia . He told her that her duties were to keep the house clean, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye; enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher and telephone a landscaper.

Gotta love those Virginia girls. ....

CONGRATS TO

VIRGINIA TECH CLINCHED THE ACC COASTAL DIVISION! THEY WILL PLAY BOSTON COLLEGE FOR THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP.

TENNESSEE CLINCHED THE SEC EAST DIVISION AFTER FOUR OVERTIMES!! THEY WILL PLAY LSU FOR THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP.

WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS WON THE BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest is all gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain.

So open wide the doorway-

Thanksgiving comes again!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I AM THANKFUL FOR ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD

AND HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER.

PSALM 136:26 AMEN

GOODBYE LLOYD CARR

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- It's not every day that you hear a football coach quoting an Irish poet. But Lloyd Carr of Michigan, who revealed the worst-kept secret in American sports Monday morning when he announced his retirement, was not an everyday coach.

"Thirteen years ago, when I was named the head coach," Carr said, "I took as my guide the words of Pakenham Beatty. He said:
By your own soul, learn to live.

If some men thwart you, take no heed.

If some men hate you, have no care.

Sing your song.

Dream your dream.

Hope your hope and pray your prayer.

"And that's what I've tried to do."

Carr sang his song, "Hail to the Victors," in 121 winning locker rooms over the past 13 seasons, a victory total that ranks him third in Michigan history behind his mentor, Bo Schembechler (194), and Fielding Yost (165).

Ivan Maisel, ESPN.COM

THANKS FROM VT

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Thousands of people assembled on Virginia Tech’s Drill field on Saturday to form a giant, human thank you card to the world for its support after the April 16 massacre. Dressed in the school colors of maroon and orange, the crowd was arranged to form Tech’s "VT" logo, and under it, "THANKS YOU." A satellite aimed to capture the image as the thousands waved up at the sky. ... FOX NEWS.COM

BIG TEN CHAMPIONS

CONGRATS TO OHIO STATE.....YEAH, WHATEVER!!!

MORE PICTURES

LET'S TALK FOOTBALL

WOW! This was a week for football. WV won on Thursday night over Louisville, MICHIGAN lost to Wisconsin, VT beat Florida State, TN beat Arkansas, VIRGINIA put it to Miami!

Now for the BUCKEYE fans who couldn't resist contacting me when Michigan had their loss against that 1-AA team, I didn't hear from you about the OHIO STATE loss to Illinois. Well, I did get a text message from Laura and then a message after the loss from Mike. Something about he hopes my bowels locked up because I seemed to be somewhat happy about the loss!!!!!!! ROFL!! Oh well, two weeks left, and no one seems to know who will be playing in the Championship Game, but I know it won't be any of my teams!! I know everyone is getting geared up for the infamous OSU and MICHIGAN game this coming Saturday at noon. BUCKEYE fans are wanting this more than ever because of their loss to the Illini, so no matter who wins on Saturday, it should be an awesome game!!

CHURCH HOME

We officially moved our church letter this AM to Bonsack Baptist Church. This is the church we were members of before we left for Ohio. Check out the website...look at some of the pictures, etc. It feels good to be home but we know we will all be home one day with the Lord never to be separated again. Thanks be to God!

http://www.bonsackbaptist.org/

PROPOSED NEST

Located in Bedford County. Listing address is Vinton, VA. Total one floor living. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors in living areas...carpet in bedrooms...tile bathrooms, foyer and laundry room. Has an unfinished walk out basement for all the "stuff". It has been framed up for familyroom, bathroom and bedroom. It will still have plenty storage. Offer was accepted, inspections to follow. It is a new build. It is located on a 1.5 acre lot. Donnie will still have plenty to mow..I see a new mower in my future, since the old one was sold to our neighbor in OHIO. And yes, a new refrigerator too!

THE NEST IS SOLD!!!!!!!!!

It is finished! I just received the proceeds for the sale of the nest, so now we can say we are homeless! Will begin looking for a new nest in VA. So you can say the Robins flew south for the winter...of their lives!! I will truly miss my friends and church in OHIO. I am going to have to get busy getting a breakfast bunch and a lunch bunch together!! For everyone in OHIO...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!!!!!!!!!

MONDAY

Movers were here from 8:30 until 6:30. All is gone, except for air mattress and 2 fold up chairs! And of course, odd and ends and our luggage. Hope it all fits in the Envoy!! Met the buyer, wife, yesterday for her final walk through. She is real excited about being in Columbus and living in the nest. They have 2 girls age 14, freshmen, and age 17. Both will be attending Pickerington North High School. I will be calling today to confirm our 9 AM closing, they still we be closing at 4 due to work conflicts. Continue to pray it through.

TICK TICK TICK

LEADERS MOVING AND STORAGE

The time is ticking away as we await the moving van on Monday AM. Closing is still set for Wed. The buyers final walk through is Monday 5-6. We have boxed and reboxed this past week. I had to put up my sandals and get out my winter shoes and coats. The beds are stripped and ready to be moved. All but our bed..one more night, then the ole air mattress for a couple of nights...the old folks will be welcoming a bed come Wed. night!!!

Now, for football, Michigan and WV had a good day on Saturday. Thursday night not so good for VT, and Saturday not so good for TN. What can I say about those BUCKEYES...yep, they are at the top of the heap, and it doesn't look like they are going to go anywhere for a while. The smiles are big and bright in Columbus! By the way, have the Buckeyes played any ranked teams, except for the 25th ranked Penn State???? HMMMM...LOL

ILLUSION

DOUBLE CLICK TO MAKE LARGER.
I have seen this before several times..but it is a favorite..you can simply close your eyes for a few seconds and the image will appear.

FRIDAY

All good things must come to an end....including a week at N. Myrtle Beach, SC. The weather has been awesome! Although they need rain like most of the east coast, we didn't see any this week.

We have eaten at some great places..favorite probably..PRESTONS FAMILY RESTAURANT/SEAFOOD BUFFET...it is worth the trip just for the fried oysters and chocolate cake!! Forget all those nasty veggies and salads...just go for the fried seafood, shrimp you peel, and desserts, if you really wanted to, you could add yeast rolls or hush puppies... and of course, don't forget the tums!!!!!!!!!!!! Second favorite..OVERTIME SPORTS BAR and GRILL...the best wings, sandwiches and unbelievable french fries, not to mention sports memorabilia (Ohio State mini blimp)....and went last night to The Liberty, at Broadway at the Beach..but girls..they had the best cheesy "fries" ever...they weren't really fries, but baked potatoes cut in pieces and fried..oh my!! They then top them with cheese, bacon, scallions and ranch dressing...no other food needed! We did share a steak, salad, and sweet potato...we took turns rolling each other to the car!!!!!!!!!!!



We have about a 6 hour drive back to Roanoke, where we plan to stay until Oct. 22, then off to OHIO to stay until we hopefully close on the nest on the 31st.

THURSDAY

Well believe or not..today is the first day I put foot on the sand and into the ocean!! We have such a terrific view from our ocean front balcony..I didn't feel the need to get into it....hmmm..getting older I guess. The ride around the lazy river does it for me.....probably because I am so stuffed from eating all the good food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WEDNESDAY

Today was spent driving down to South Myrtle Beach, shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall, and floating around the lazy river!! You gotta love V A C A T I O N!!!

TUESDAY AM

FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH, FOR THE GLORY OF THE SKIES

MONDAY MONDAY

18 HOLES OF GOLF AT EAGLE NEST GOLF COURSE..DONNIE AND I TOOK PICTURES SO WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO BE IN THEM!!! VALERIE THE DRIVER AND AARON THE GOLFER!!

THE OTHER PICTURE IS TURTLES CHILLIN ON A LOG!!

MYRTLE BEACH

Now, after seeing this don't you wish you were here?? I think I need some RANDA help on my picture size...but you do get a better view of the ocean, huh? From the ninth floor of Bay Watch Resort.

MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA

NOTHING GOOD BE FINER THAN TO BE IN CAROLINA IN THE MORNING!!

We are off to Myrtle Beach for a week in the fun and sun!!

This picture was taken by Allison while at MB in Sept.

I love the ocean!!

God's wondrous beauty!