Jason- pics of the boys

We can't wait for you to come home!!!

July 2007 - It works! - My first real post

I DID IT!! You should know that it's around 1:00 in the morning, and I'm upstairs in the computer room (otherwise known as "the scary room" since it's so messy - Jason - think Drew's bedroom and you'll know how messy it is). Anyway, I'm up here dancing and singing "I am woman, hear me roar." Good thing you all missed it.

O.K. - I lied - pictures will have to come later - when I've figured out how to upload them here. But just to catch you up on things here Jason:
Josh just started a new job at Omni Bank - I'm not exactly sure what he does yet, (something with financing) but he is really loving the "banker's hours." We babysit his "baby" Maddy. She's a miniature fox terrier and precious.
Shane is still in Berlin. His final performance of "Beauty and the Beast" (except it's title is really in German and I can't spell it) will be in September. Then he will move to Hamburg. He has been cast in a new musical called "I've never been to New York"(except it's in German, too). It's World Premier will be in January (I think?) He'll be in that until 2009 (I think) so he'll get his lifetime Visa which he is very excited about. He'll also be in the original cast recording so he'll receive royalties for singing.
Drew is working for Gray Wolf Drilling as a roughneck. He is working 7 on and 7 off. He says the work is hard, but the money is good. The company has a deal with A&M that would allow him to work his 7, and go to school the other 7. He said he may consider that after he's been working for around a year. He and Kelsey are back together. She's the one that he's dated on and off again since high school and the one who came with him to Aunt Sandra's.
Brett, Marnee, and Bri are fine. Brett is still rockin' and rollin' with Rat Ranch - in fact, he's in Austin this weekend. Hopefully, you can go see him when you get home. Marnee is considering working independently as a physical therapist, and Brianne starts 5th grade next year.
Mom and Dad are doing good. Dad is gaining strength a little at a time. He has an appointment in August and if he's strong enough, they'll schedule what we hope will be his final surgery. His prostate cancer is gone.
I've taken this year (and maybe longer) off from school and will be consulting full time. I'll have to be gone when I travel, but when I'm here (which is quite a bit) I'll be able to pitch in and help. I won't tell you about all the boring, small town jobs that I'll have - I'll just mention the cooler ones --like Las Vegas, Napa Valley, and Hawaii!!! I've got lots of handouts and Powerpoints to prepare for this job - in fact, I've got two that I've got to finish tonight (oops, this morning), so I'm signing off.

We all love you and miss you. We are so proud of you and are anxious to have you home. I pray for you and your buddies every single day. I'll write more (and add pictures) when I can. Love You!

July 2007 - Just tryin' it out

I have no clue if this will work or not. Jason (and my guys) don't laugh. I am so technologically challenged!!! Anyway, I'm just clicking on buttons to see if they work. Once I figure this out, then I'll try to upload some pictures so you can see what everyone is doing.

Kenny takes Patrick on a fishing trip for the day

Kenny bought Patrick a fishing trip for Christmas and they finally found the time to do some fishing on Sunday of last week. Patrick invited a guy he has been friends with since high school to join them. Kenny was up by 4 AM and the boys were out of there by 5 AM. It sounds like they had a lot of fun and caught a bunch of trout. Here are a few pics from the fishing trip.

A good time was had by all

Happy Birthday Grandma

Grandma turned 69 this year. Her birthday was actually Saturday, July 21st, but her birthday celebration was delayed until I returned from Houston on Sunday. I brought home Lasagna and salad from Cielo's and a chocolate fudge birthday cake. She received presents and cards in celebration. She is stutting in her new summer pajama's, robe and slippers. They didn't really come from Victoria Secrets but the box was pretty.

She looks pretty darn good for a Sr. Citizen...doesn't she.

Jason's Long Lost Cousins

This weekend we didn't have plans to see the grand babies so I called my cousin Bill who lives in Houston in hopes of introducing Kenny to Bill Grover and his wife Linda. To my surprise I found out Bill's brother Ken had recently moved from Wisconsin to Houston and Bill's son Daniel had just moved with his new wife Rochele from San Diego, California to Houston this week. Bill and his wife Linda were planning a family get together with Daniel, Rochele and Daniel's new inlaws at the house. Here are a few pics we took. Jason...in this picture is Bill Grover on my left and to my right is Ken Grover. They are two sons of my Aunt Betty's (one of PaPa's sisters). Ken and Bill would be 2nd cousins to you.

From left to right...me, Ken, Bill, Daniel, Rochele, Gary, and Trevor. Daniel and Gary would be something like 3rd cousins to you. Trevor is Linda Grover's grandson. Maybe you will be able to meet this part of your family when you get your two week leave in January. They are a lot like the rest of our family....good people full of fun! :-)

Kenny and Daniel's brother Gary. Gary is about 22. He lives in Wimberly.

Care Package From The Gandys - July 18, 2007

We sent off another package on Wednesday, the care package includes Nascar Race #6 from Chicago, wipes, beef sticks, peppered beef jerky, Ike & Mikes, Hot Tamales, Sports Illustrated, handisnaks, blistex, hand sanitizer, propel drink mix powders, Article from Jeff Gordon's web page. A package was sent last week with wipes, hand lotion, soap, beef jerky, peanuts, pringles, starburst, razor, gold fish, mouth wash, deodorant, gold bond body powder, toe nail clippers and Nascar Race #5.

Care Package from Home

Today I got a care package in the mail to Jason. It contains come individual packages of Pringles, some mixed nuts, some candy, a Lake Travis View, and a police baton. Also enclosed in the package is a letter from your mom and a 20 dollar bill to help pay for those precious cell phone minutes. I just wish there was something we could do to improve the phone service so we can have a more productive conversation. It seems as though we spend most of our time saying..."can you hear me now". But that's o.k. It just sounds so good to hear your voice. It always provides me with a sigh of relief. I love you Jason. Stay strong, healthy and safe. We are looking forward to your 2-week leave....whenever that is.

Looking Back One Year AgoToday

I was looking at some of Jason's pictures and where he spent July 4th last year - Lake Travis - with all his friends on a boat. They were all having such a great time. It is hard for me to imagine he is spending this July 4 in a war zone fighting every day for our freedoms. I know he would prefer to be here with family & friends (even though they have closed Lake Travis) but I'm so very proud of him and all the other men and women that are over there.











We all take everything so for granted but after I talk to Jason, either by phone or internet, I count my blessings. When I saw Jas on the webcam he looked wonderful to me, extremely tired, but I saw that great smile I absolutely love. However, I have to admit, it was when he saw Dupont. He loves that dog. He was in combat gear and it brought the reality of what they all are facing each & every day right up in my face. They were in blackout mode and he was waiting for the order to go out again. I sometimes feel very ashamed it took me having a loved one facing what he does on a daily basis to make me realize what each and everyone of them are sacrificing for us. None of them had to, they all volunteered for this. We need to pray for all of them every day and hold on to them in our hearts. I love you so much, Jas, and I'm so proud of you.

Independence Day in America

For most Americans, today is just another holiday in which we do not have to go to work. It's a day in which our plans evolve around having fun with our families and our friends with plenty of food and drinks for everyone. It's a day for fun in the sun. However, most American's fail to take a moment on this day to reflect on the reasons we enjoy this day in our history. It's because of our brave soldiers that Americans are free to practice the religion of our choice, or not. And to have the freedom to speak our minds, or not. It's because of our brave soldiers that Americans can feel safe to walk thru each day without fear. I hope that each of you take a moment sometime today to count your blessings and pray for all the brave soldiers around the world who are committed to fighting this war against terrorism.