HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

Hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and best wishes to all for the new year. Our Christmas was very enjoyable with the family here and Joan, Dad and Joan's son, James "Jamie" joining us on Christmas Day. Everyone is still not completely well but hopefully we're getting there. Haven't felt up to getting out in the crowds since Christmas so guess I missed all the sales. It never was one of my favorite things to do though so I won't miss it too much.
Hope that Santa brought everyone exactly what they were wishing for.
Chris, we got our Christmas card and appreciate it. We didn't get around to mailing any this year but maybe next year we'll do better.
Love you all!

Christmas Cards

Hey gang! We sent out Christmas cards to EVERYONE (aunts,uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc). If you didn't get one, we've got it. Michelle made up address labels on the computer and stuck them to the front of the envelopes. Well, we got one back the other day witout an address label and are trying to figure out whose it is. If you didn't get one, we didn't leave you out. It lost its label and got sent back to us. If anyone sees Terry any time soon, let her know that hers came back to us too for something about the address. Let her know we sent it and could someone please send us her correct mailing address so we can resend it???

Grammy and Pop got here (well, Atlanta airport) a little before 6 last night. Their flight was about 20 early arriving although it left Norfolk about 10 min late. Michelle's mom and I went up to Atlanta and picked them up and the four of us stopped somewhere between Atlanta and Griffin and had dinner at Chili's. Poor Michelle was at home with the kids. That's okay, 'cause her mom had all three kids while Michelle, her sister, cousin and I were eating at Applebee's Sat night on our way back from Michelle's youngest sister's wedding in North Ga. The kids are of course thrilled that they're here and are very excited the BIG man comes tonight. Hope everyone is feeling better in time to drink egg nog and suck down some bird, stuffing, ham etc. Merry Christmas!!! Love all y'all!!!

Well, I wasa little disappointed that we missed the family get together on the 13th, but maybe with all the sicknesses going around we fared better down here? Mandi did have the coughs for a couple days and Thurs evening Corky got sick and my buddy Chad (who's place we were at Thursday) was sick Thurs and Friday. Either way, I hope eveyone is feeling better. Better to get it over with before Christmas, right???

Well, it official: I AM a civilan now. Feels kind of weird after 8 years of being in the Army and not being very fond of civilans- unless you're friends or family. Most of the civilian employees on post were either useless or acted high and mighty because of our dependence on them. Anyway, waiting to hear back from Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) about a possible job with the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) dept. job with them in Atlanta. Got my resume in on the 4th (because of a little networking) and the job was posted to the public on the 5th. The REP manager (a friend of Michelle's cousin) e-mailed me on the 9th or 10th and asked when I was getting out of the Army. Hopefully that's a good sign. If I get the job, I'll be training city and county emergency services personnel around Ga's 2 nuclear power plants in Waynesboro and Baxley. If not, I'll probably go into the Air Force. They take better care of their personnel than the Army.

Went up to Toccoa, GA yesterday afternoon (about 5 min south of SC border) for Michelle's youngest sister, Suni's, wedding. Rather not talk about that. Had a good time with Michelle, her sister Dianna and their friend Gelaine on the way up and back though. Been busy today unpacking boxes and moving things around. Still have LOTS of work to do. Can't wait to see Mom and Dad on the 23rd and Howie and Family on the 26th.

Take care everybody and beat that darn flu bug. Oh, and yes, I am very excited that we got Saddam. I think at least half a dozen people called me last Sunday to tell me between 7am and noon.

Sorry everyone is feeling sick. Gene and I are beginning to feel better. We have just had a hacking cough, no fever or any flu symptoms (sp). We fly to GA on Tuesday afternoon and will be back early Monday morning on the 29th. Hope we don't overstay our welcome. Hope everyone is well for Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
Margaret

I had a great time at Margaret's on Saturday but now I think I'm coming down with the flu. Is anyone else feeling poorly? I feel lousy.

I enjoyed having everyone yesterday. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. We missed those of you who could not come. Hope Shawn is feeling better. Of course I do wish that Chris' family could have been here, but it's hard to move and be out of town at the same time, maybe next year. Gene, Howie and Kyle left about 7 to go to the hockey game. When they got back, Gene was feeling lousy and went straight to bed. Even though, I had put flowers in church today in honor of Gene to celebrate our 40th anniversary, (which is next Sunday) I did not wake him up to go to church. Just before I left for church, he was getting up to go to work, working a 2 o'clock funeral. I told him that if I had known that he was working, I would have waken him up for church and of course, his reply was that is he had known about the flowers, he would have gotten up. So much for surprises.

I'm planning to take potato salad and chicken pot pie on Saturday. Also plan to make scotch-e-roos. Please don't hold me to all of this as don't know how much time I will have. This play is driving me to distraction. It has a good message if we can just get it together. Gotta go and make some clouds.

Just a quick blog, anyone who wishes to get in the hot tub on the 13th, bring your bathing suits. Christie, make sure that you bring the unmbrella for Cory and Ashley. Joyce, one day I'm planning to go to Ima Jean's and the next I'm not. I told Ima Jean today I'll probably go. I had definately planned to go, but now I'm having a colonoscopy on Monday which means, starting with breakfast on Sunday, I can only have liquids and have to be home by 2. I told her I'm bringing a container for chicken pot pie so I can have it on Monday afternoon or Tuesday. Gene will not be coming, he's on call with a Funeral Home from the 3rd till the 10th.

Bertie, you need to bone up on your math. 54-46=8.
I love you too, bad math and all. You and Rick, have a good time at the beach. I guess this means you won't be at Ima Jean's. How about you, Margaret? or anyone else? I'm going to try and make it, I think.

Just a short note. I think I've finally decided what I'm fixing for the 13th. I think I'll be cooking a turkey and a ham before hand and maybe if I don't run out of time, I'll make a little shrimp creole and rice. I'll make cramberry salad and vegetables. Lol will be making mashed potatoes.
Chritie is making deviled eggs and dessert. Bertha will be making broccli salad and sweet potatoes and maybe something sweet. I understand that Joyce had better be bringing scotch-a-roos. By the way, hope your birthday is great. I know how you like recieving your card on time, hope you did. I know it didn't get there early, but maybe not on time, depends on the mail service.
I guess we'll try eating around 1 or 1:30 unless anyone wishes otherwise. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

A late Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Ours was very nice with Cathy & Jeremy & Barry with us. Thanks to Jeremy's boss, we were provided a turkey. Cathy thawed it out and brought it on Thanksgiving morning. Then I gave her my recipe and a little instruction and she breezed through cooking her first turkey. It was delicious. Hope everyone's meal was as good as ours.
I'm glad Christie mentioned Marquis and Christmas. We really need to know so we can include him in the gift-giving.
Well, our pastor gave his notice Sunday morning. Didn't say exactly why he is leaving so maybe we'll find out more as time goes on. He said he looked at it as just an interruption--whatever that means. So I guess we'll be searching again. Don't look forward to it, no siree.

Forgot to say I was glad everything went well with Clay, but I have talked to you Hannah since then so I hope you didn't feel slighted. Lots of love!!!

Hope everyone has a happy and HEALTHY Thanksgiving. It seems this has become a posting board of medical happenings. Glad your ticker is still running strong, Gene. Nice to know your up in your own room again Aunt Margaret. Wish all the best for you Michelle and know that it WILL be a long time b-4, if even then, you will be in a wheelchair. Hope ya'll have a great Thanksgiving and I know your glad that Chris is home to celebrate with you. Hope all is going well with your mom also.

The system sucks as far as I can see with all that has gone on with Ben. Glad he realized b-4 finalization that it was going to be too much. But, I'm glad he still spends as much time as Marquis needs. Will he (Marquis) be coming for Christmas???

Our Christmas parade is also the 13th at 11:00. So, I'll come after that. I'm sure Ashley will be on a float or something. (Cheerleader) I assume everyone is supposed to bring a dish. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Sure am missing my mom and grandma's lately. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or the holiday season or what. Anyway, I'm sure there were more important things for them to do.

C ya'll on the 13th!!!

Howie, Since others may not know about the duck thing, I'll tell you here. It was started by Joyce. When she first saw you, you had a little hair at the back and she said you looked like a duck. Funny how some things you don't forget. I guess it was never mentioned to you. Take a look at the picture taken of you at the hospital and you'll see the hair that she was talking about. Hard to believe that I have a son whose 37, when I haven't reached middle age yet. Talking about age, funny, I just came across pictures taken at Dad's 60th birthday party with his siblings. I plan to take them to Bertha's tomorrow and show to his family. Looking forward to Thanksgiving with my family that will be here. We'll be busy as we plan to decorate the house for the 13th.
Margaret

Howie might wish he was 35! If my memory serves me correctly, it was 1966 when I left Elizabeth City and picked up Mama and Gloria at Gloria's home in Joppa to drive to Norfolk to see the little fuzzy headed duck. It was a proud day for us all as we welcomed the first grandchild into the family!

Tis the season to be busy, fa,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la. Did I get all the las in? I'm not all that busy except in my brain. Gotta get it out of my brain and into my feet before too long though. Just can't seem to get them in gear.
Hope things go well with your career moves, Chris. Thanks for blogging us the news. Gotta go and get the payroll done.
Did Bertha's blog get cut in half for anyone besides me? When I read it, it ended at Amber went to a...but when I signed in with my password, I could read it all. Go figure.
Howard, hope you have a great birthday. Keep up the good work in school--you, too, Cortlyn and Mandi!

Free for a minute

Well, things have taken an interesting turn in the whole future military career thing. Talked to an Air Force, yes- AirForce, recruiter today. It appears that they are doing this experimental thing where they are taking prior service Army folks with less than 12 years service. However, I have to get out of the Army first and show him my discharge papers to verify I got out on a Honorable discharge and my re-entry code. Yeah, it'll be tough changing to Air Force cause they are definitely not as "Hooah!" as the Army, but standard of living is better than the Army and I wouldn't be deployed nearly as often as I have been in the Army. And, we've decided that if the Air Force thing doesn't work out, I can always go next door to the Army recruiting office (the one I worked at while I was home from Korea) and come back in, even if I need a waiver (although I shouldn't). That place was waiver central when I worked there and they have the same Station commander who I was on good terms with. So, as of December 20th, I'll be a free man, well for a couple of weeks or so. Well, that's it for now, other than Cortlyn is still on the A-B honor roll and Mandi got all smiley faces on her progress report. We're very proud of both of them. Waiting to see someone else post on blogger or is everybody really busy?

Ga Belvins

It's been a busy week or so: last Friday, Michelle went to help her mom in Macon and the kids and I stayed home, had pizza, and played games. Saturday we played at the playground. Chris and I threw the ball while his sisters played on the play equipment. He's getting really good. We took a break and played tag, all 3 of us. 30-45 min. later, I was soaked with sweat. Well, got my PT in for the weekend. On Monday, I went and switched my VFW membership from the one I joined in Korea to the one here in Hinesville and Michelle's joining the VFW's Ladies' Auxilary. We went to a ceremony at the VFW on Tuesday. Our commanding general, Major Gen. Webster, was the guest speaker and we had a visit by Jesse Jackson to Ft Stewart on Monday to look into the plight of all the "med hold" Nasty Guard folk that are still here. It seems FOR ONCE Jesse's actually doing something useful and helping someone else besides his public ego. Tomorrow, I'm supposed to teach some NBC classes out at the range. Talked to Dad tonight; sounded like usual chipper dad. "Minor surgery? No big deal."

We won't have any problems finding parking while driving the van. Michelle just got a handicap tag for her mirror and will be getting a handicap license plate. Her knee and hip have gotten really bad. They're gonna' try and give her a knee brace that will pull the knee back into place and want to do hip and knee surgery and have told us eventually (hopefully not for years) that she will end up in a wheelchair. Not something we're hoping for, but a reality we're preparing ourselves for. Well, gotta' run.

Hope everything went well with Clay's procedure.

We're looking forward to Dad and Joan and Howie's family coming for Thanksgiving. We're disappointed that Chris' family will not be able to come, but understand about Michelle's mother not being able to travel and not leaving her alone, since she had neck surgery week before last. It would have been fun for all of the grandchildren here decorating the tree, but maybe another year. We're also looking forward to hosting the Byrum Family Christmas on the 13th for lunch, maybe late lunch. I assumed that everyone enjoyed the gag gift idea. So anyone who wishes to perticipate can do so.

In case I don't get back on the blog before the end of the week, I want to wish the old man, Ricky, a happy 50th birthday. ENJOY! 50 seems very young.

God works in mysterious ways. Most of you know about our furnace problems from the hurricane. Estimate for fixing was about $500. with no guarantee that they could get it working and recommended replacing which our lowest estimate was $7,700. With our medical expenses and no help from flood insurance and no help from FEMA, we called and asked to try to fix it for $500. I received two calls that day while I was at a funeral from Bobby from Miller Oil who was suppose to fix it. He said that maybe I didn't remember him, but he remembered me from The Lincoln-Lane Foundation. He said he had a furnace, or whatever was needed, that he would give me if it could work on mine. His father and mother didn't have central air and decided this summer to replace everything with central heat and air. He sent the technician out the next morning at 8 and everything fitted and we only had to pay for the labor at $150. When I called to thank him, he said that the foundation had helped get his son through William & Mary at a difficult time for them. I believe I was the one that told him about the help when he was at the Foundation when we were replacing some units. This has really been a bright spot in our lives recently.

Gene will be having his out-patient surgery on Thursday. As Gene puts it, he getting a new generator. He thinks it'll be nothing and would love to go to the Admiral's hockey game that night. They have been away for 10 days and will be back that night, but my guess is that he will not be there. He may surprise me. He's tough.

We were suppose to go to Elizabeth City this past Sunday, but his dad called and asked us not to come. I had a warning that he might call. He called while we were not home on Saturday and said that he was having a problem with incontience (bowel not blatter) and would have to cancel our visit. We called back and said that we didn't have to go out for lunch, that we could bring something and just visit with him, but he said no. He had been in the hospital with pnomonia (sp) and we didn't know it until he was home. I wish he could feel closer to us. We try, but it just seems that he is always pushing us away since Carolyn died. We'll keep trying and praying about it. It's so hard to understand since our family wants each other around when we're going through troubles, but I guess people are different.

Love all of you guys and really appreicate all that was done for me during the last three months. Oh, by the way, I moved back upstairs to my bedroom this weekend, but totally organized but sleeping up here now.

What with Margaret's PT and Chris's PT, how's a body keep up with what's going on? We need a acronym chart.
Ed and I went out on the boat for our final outing this weekend. It was beautiful on the lake. Sorry the family missed out on camping this year. This past weekend would have been a great one. Even though we were able to launch at Outdoor World, everything was closed--Trading Post, Bath Houses and such. They were replacing the first bath house that we got to.
Cathy and Jeremy went to the State/VA game in Raleigh on Saturday. It was a very exciting one with State ending up on top. Also a very important game.
We have revival services at church this week so it will be a busy one.

Enjoyed being with the family last Sunday at Berthas. Thanks Bertha for picking me up on Saturday. This has been a very eventful and busy week for me. Where do I start. On Tuesday at physical therapy I had a problem with my left eye. At first I couldn't figure out what was happening, but when I went to smaller space (bathroom) I realized that with my left eye, I seemed to be seeing smoke, or dark cloud with black dots that were moving around. My occupational therapist said that I should have it checked out. That night when I was in the dark, out the corner of my eye I could see flashing light. The next morning, I called my
GP doctor and my eye doctor and left messages. My GP was the first to call and was concerned and made an emergency appointment with a optomoligist (sp) my eye dr is an optomigist and when he called he was pleased that I was being seen. Everyone was concerned that I had the beginning of a detached rethna, but I received the news that my condition was called posterior vitreous detachment. I will have to live with the floaters. This is suppose to be a condition that developes as we get older and has nothing to do with the accident, but I really don't believe that. It just happens to be on the same side that my nose was broken, that my lip was busted. I do believe that it was brought on by the accident. In addition to my sessions of pt, I also had an appointment at the coumadin clinic, an appointment with my orthrpedic surgeon and with my GP, and my lawyer. Every thing went well. I can start cutting down on my coumadin and in three weeks, I'll be off it. I'm now walking with a cane, I'll be able to start driving very soon. The good news with my lawyer is that we're proceeding with the law suit and my health insurance has agreed not to require to be reimbursed as they could have required. Whatever settlement I receive, I'll be able to keep at least $60,000 and not pay to the insurace company. My boss and her lawyer have agreed for me to file suit first because even if we deplet all of his coverage, she has a much higher uninsured or underinsured on her policy that I do and she can file against her policy. The only bad news is we heard from FEMA and we'll receive no help with replacing our furnace. Don't know how they decide these things, my former boss who is very wealthy, received $750 and our friends, the Suttons, who live on the same body of water and had extensive damage, received nothing. I didn't get my hopes up too much, but I was hoping to receive a little help. Still, I guess I can;t expect to get something for nothing. I don't know who I told, but Gene will be having outpatient surgery to replace the battery in his pace maker on Nov 13. All should go well with that.

Appendix Halloween 3.1

Oh, yeah, Joyce. Got the card. Sorry I forgot to put that in last post. Thank you. It was nice.
Gotta run.

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Hey gang! Well it's Halloween and OH NO!...I'm 3-0! Haha! Didn't seem "that " old until I actually reached it and thought "I'm not even in my LATE 20's any more." Any way, we're getting through it okay. Yesterday I took a PT test and scored a 255, about what I was scoring before we went to Kuwait back in Jan. Well, it seems like we may still have trouble making family functions in the future because I took the PT test so I could get a waiver to re-enlist. Yep, right now it seems like our best option, given I don't have a degree in biology, chemistry or engineering and I don't have staff time, yet. If I get the waiver, I'll more than likely re-up for 3 years, putting us at 10 1/2 yrs in service leading toward the full 20. Once you've done 10, might as well do the next ten and get the retirement. I have to get the waiver first (which has to go all the way up the food chain to the post 2-star general) because I didn't reup by the time I was 90 days out from my ETS date. Michelle's not real thrilled, but she understands why we have to do it and supports me. She's a great wife. It's like the sticker says: " Army Wife- Toughest job in the Army." Kids were looking forward to getting a house of our own "near Grammy and Pop", but they kind of understand/accept that this is just the way it is.

Got Chris his Webelos/Boy Scout uniform today. He's really excited about that. We're heading to Macon tonight after trick or treatin' to see Michelle's mom. She had 4 of the discs in her neck fused together last Friday. She's doing alot better. Had a costume party last Friday and had a few couples over. That was fun. Like usual, Betty Crocker cooked enough to feed the whole Byrum clan and we sent home bags of goodies with our friends. Jason and his wife came up from King's Bay Ga. Naval Station, 1 mile north of the Ga/Florida border. He's been married for year or so, but didn't tell anyone. We gave him heck for that all night. His wife's name is Christy. She's 19 (yes, Jason is 3 months older than me) and really neat. They seem real happy, and definitely a good match. She's the grown up in that relationship. Haha!


Gotta' run help Michelle get ready for dinner and trick or treating. Take care, everybody and look out for the fiends and ghouls.

Happy Brithday to Christopher Piper! Hope that it's a great one. I know you didn't get it today but your card is on its way.
Had a wonderful time at Bertie's yesterday. Wish that everyone could have been there. It was lots of fun but just ended too-too soon. Where did the time go? It's really nice to have fun people in the family and also to have some little ones who like to cut a rug.
It was great to see Margaret walking again even if it was slowly. She looked great.
The food was great also. I tasted it clean up until bedtime.

I enjoyed our time together yesterday. Glad to see everyone is doing well!

Hannah

Cathy, very glad to hear that you got a good report! Even though I don't blog much, I do try to read up on everyone 2 or three times a week. I really would like us to all go camping, so lets get plans made. I don't care where, just let me know and I will be there! My family is doing great. Amber and school are working out great! She loves her class and teacher. Clay is getting smarter and smarter everyday. He is also learning those not so good things as he gets closer to the terrible two's (Ha Ha) He still favors that Jones's more so than my side. Jason is doing ok. He's 22 days straight. IT'S PEANUT SEASON for us both. Joyce, I have been meaning to send you a little note, thanking you for the evening out back in September. It was great. We lost power for a total of 7 days and that was long enough! Cathy, how are things around your neck of the woods. I've heard that things still aren't all back to normal on that side of the river? Margaret, if there is every anything that I can do (with 2 wild childs), I will me more than happy to. Just let me know. Well, there clothes to me folded and bookbags to pack. Take Care Everyone!!!!! Please let me know whenever a date is set for camping.

Blog at ya later!!! Hannah

Cathy went back to doctor today to get her stitches removed. Got a very good report. Even though there were some atypical cells present, they were mild and were all removed. We are all very happy and thankful.
Ben, what did you think of Seashore State Park? The weather seems so perfect, it's a shame not to go somewhere.
I'm taking my "sweetest" to Massanutten this weekend and he's taking his boss.

If we do happen to ever make a final decision on camping, these are the weekends I have all my kids.....
Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Nov. 29

Don't forget... Thursday, Oct. 16 is Boss's Day so be extra special to your bosses Aunt Bertha & Aunt Joyce. Seems ya'll will have it double this week seeing as how Saturday, Oct. 18 is "Sweetest Day" whatever that is?!?!?!?

I would like to make a revision on Bertha's comment of a "Griswall" outing. I saw it more as a "Family Circus" outing myself!!!!!

I believe it my turn this Christmas to plan for our family celebration. At this time, the date that seems good is Saturday, December 13. It would need to be Saturday for my kids to consider to come. I hope to be able to plan it at my house. If not, I can always sit back and let others wait on me. I could get used to that treatment. After Thursday, I now have permission to put 40 lbs on my left leg every 10 days, so in 30 days, I should be able to put all my weight on my left leg. Breakfast is ready, so I'll talk more later. Margaret

Ricky gonna' be 50 already? Woohoo! Bertha ya' got the headstone ready? Hahaha! I too have heard Seashore State Park is a good place. Talked to Howie last night. Right now he's gotten straight A's in his college courses. Good job, Bro! Met with my ACAP counselor 2 days ago to fine tune resume`s. Now, I need to make corrections to all 12 or so of them. Well, pretty much the same resume`, just cut/paste and move the skills around according to the job. Have been real tired lately. Probably stress-related. Gee, fall must be stress season. From reading, I see everyone's got some form of stress going on in their lives. I know Shakespeare would endorse the camping trip like in his "pastoral" plays-problems in the city, everyone goes to the countryside, get some rest/work out their problems, return all fixed. Today everyone in my company had to take the "whiz quiz". I held it so long waiting for my turn to fill the little plastic jar that my left kidney hurt. Our milvans are due to arrive soon so we should be our equipment and getting things at work back to normal. I'm training my replacement a little until then. Only 72 days until I'm a civilian! (but who's counting?) Talked to an Air Force officer recruiter today and I'm not eligible for a commission in the Air Force. Just as well, they're a bunch of wimpy snobs anyway. Anyway, Michelle's Mom has offered for us to stay with her if I need to go back to school for a degree in chemistry or biology. Well, if needs be, I don't know. We've also discussed my reenlisting long enough for Michelle to go back to school to get her RN. She'd only need to go back for 2 years since she's already knocked out her core classes; last option though. Gonna' see how job applications go.

Well, that's it for now. Everyone take care.

Camping

What about seashore state park in Virginia Beach or the Newport News City park in Newport News. I am not sure about the N.N. park but I hear good things about seashore State park. I am camping there tomorrow night. I will let you know how it is.

Glad to see everyone is back blogging again. Don't know what to say about the camping trip as Outdoor World, Lake Gaston is closing for the year the weekend of 10/26, will open again in April. Outdoor World, Williamsburg is still open but it's not nearly as nice as Lake Gaston in my opinion. I have no weekends free in October. Ideas, anyone?

Happy Belated Birthday to Aunt Margaret! Enjoyed having lunch with you on Saturday, even if it was a "little" hectic. I did get quite a bit of shopping done for Emma though. I can't shop for the other two now, seeing as how what I think Ashley would like, she doesn't; and Corey is easy to please as long as it's jeans and t-shirts. BUT.... They have to fit just right or not at all!!! Camping anytime is fine with me also but if we are going, we probably should really go ahead b-4 it gets to cold!!! Hope everything turned out for you Cathy. I still haven't had mine looked at. Good luck to you, Chris, on the job search. Howie, Lol.. are you guys still alive???

Yes, it was good to get back to my own house. But it's amazing how fast you get used to more space. And true 2x4 construction!!! I think Mrs. Ervin would really like for us to move in with her, but she would never come right out and say it. I would feel more comfortable about her safety if we were there. I don't know how Ashley and Corey would feel about it though. I'm afraid if we made the choice to move in, Corey would want to live with his dad and I couldn't handle not seeing him everyday, even if he doesn't want me to tuck him in anymore!!!! We'll see. Shawn has gone out on his own and no longer works for Albemarle Boats. He is definitely following in his father's footsteps as far as job holding is concerned. As long as he's happy and can provide, I'm happy. Is doing combination fencing/roofing. So, if anyone needs either, please let us know. Blog later!!!

I'm back. Did quite a bit of walking on Friday on my good leg, with a walker. Maybe too much. My arms are really sore, with lifting my weight. I'm going back to plastic surgeon on Tuesday. My nose is still not right. I would not go through another procedure for the looks, but I still cannot breath through the left side of my nose. Go back to oth surgeon on Thursday. I'm anxious to see the xrays and see how the left leg is healing.
On Thursday, Gene and I went into my office for about four hours and again today, I worked for about six hours. Things are such a mess. Nothing has been filed since the accident so I had my companian, Mel, get all the files for me and do all the filing and find out what things have not been done. I;ve found at least five students who had not received their scholarship checks that were to go out August 1. I have trouble leaving the office after I go in, there is so much to do. By the time I leave, I am exhaused and my leg really hurts. I have to listen to Gene keep telling me that I need to wrap it up and go home. I guess I need to start listening to him. He was installed as President of his Kiwanis club on Thursday. It was after the installation that we went into work. I'm going to bed.

Appendix Uno

Guess I should read previous blogs b-4 posting. Talked to Mom tonight. She took her first 3 steps today since the accident. Wonder when she'll get to ride Clay's 4-wheeler. Hehehe.

Cathy, hope you're doin' alright. Michelle's found a few on my back she's worried about. Glad I've got the advice from a "veteran" like you. Figure I'll give her a colored marker to circle the ones she's concerned about the night before I go to sick call about it. Hope all is going well down your way.

As far as camping...we'd like to come, depending on dates and location. Being on the coast, it'd obviously be easier for us to shoot up I-95, although we can't promise anything given our ever changing schedule. Hopefully I'll get a job in the mid-Atlantic region so it'll be easier for us to travel on weekends and make more family events. If I get lucky, the camping trip will get scheduled during one of my 4-day weekends. Didn't see a date mentioned so far in the last 25 bloggers. Really am going to bed now. Have to get up about 15-20 minutes earlier now because everyone's back on post. PT's at 0630 and most of parking lots within a 5 minute walk of my company are full by 0550! It's ridiculous! On Monday it took me 25 minutes to get to work and I live on post; usually a 10 minute or less drive. Well, enough sniveling for now. Everyone take care

Latest Ga Belvins News

Hey gang! Yeah, I've been slack about blogging. Just when postwar life started getting "normal" again, it's time to "ACAP" (Army Career and Alumni Program), ie transition from "army green to corporate grey". Have had a couple of appointments and workshops so far. Finally got 2 resume's done last night, one for a radiation monitoring job in Illinois and a Chem/Bio Analyst job in Northern Va. We'll see how those go. Although I can do most the jobs I've looked at, it appears they want twice the years experience that I have or a degree in a science. Wonder if they count a Theatre degree from the College of Arts and Sciences? Sorry, lame attempt at humor.

Family is doing well. We went on vacation in Williamsburg the Saturday before Izzy hit. Got everything in before she hit: Busch Gardens on Sunday, Jamestown-Monday, Yorktown-Tuesday and Colonial Williamsburg on Wed. We lost power a couple hours after Mom and Dad on Thursday and checked out and went to Norfolk to help out how we could. Saturday morning I handed mom her breakfast and she handed me a full bed pan. Ha! Ha! Before and after. Hehehehe Sorry, Mom! Michelle and kids are doing okay. Chris's Webelos ('tween Cub and Boy Scout) Patrol went to the ABC Station in Savannah and they had a little about their trip to the weather section of the station on the 6 o'clock news. Following in his Dad and Granddad's footsteps I guess.
Speaking of scouting....It's that time again. Yep, the Girl Scouts have cookies, Cub Scouts have popcorn sales. Not sure when deadline is, but I think it's soon. Am supposed to talk to his Patrol leader tomorrow. They're doing cash up front orders this time, so if you want to order them, give us a call and send us the checks and we'll pay the Patrol from our account. Mom and Dad have the order sheet, but you can look at the things available at: www.trails-end.com.
Well, that's about it. Need to get to bed. "Talk" to everybody blogger.

Saw Margaret a couple of times last week. She is doing remarkably well in my opinion. She is able to get out of bed and onto her wheelchair by herself and is able to maneuver around the house with some ease. Still needs more practice getting through doorways. Her home physical therapy visits have ended and she will start this week going to a facility for that. She will have access to more machines which should help her recover faster. Her orth. surgeon gave her the okay on Thursday to put as much weight as she could stand on her right leg and right arm. She will courageously be attempting that this week, I think. She is apprehensive about having to start with a new person though.
Cathy is having her second surgery Wednesday. Please keep her in your prayers.

Since I seem to be the only senior blogger with assess to the internet, thought I would update everyone with information sofar as I know:
Dad and Joan were hit pretty hard by Isabel. Trees down, power out, house was not damaged but the yard was a mess. Tree did strike the building in the back yard where lots of stuff is stored, but don't know the extent of damage yet. Thanks to Ricky and Cherry Welding, they do have limited power by way of a welder generator and they also have a propane stove which Joan's daughter brought down. Ed went up on their roof and did not see any apparent damage there. They do have phone service. Joan had a stomach virus but seemed better by Sunday.
Margaret and Gene were without power until Sunday around noon. They had flooding in the basement and debris in the yard but feel very fortunate after surveying the damage in the surrounding neighborhood. Will be checking the roof to see if there was any damage there.
Ricky and Bertha are without power except by generator and also do not have phone service except cell phone. She can receive messages on her regular phone and also her cell. They had prior damage to the roof from the hail storm back in May or June but had more damage to the roof from Isabel and will be getting a new roof ASAP!
Bertha has also had stomach virus and with a limited water supply, it's makes it worse. Hopefully she is better but haven't received a report today. Ricky has been a knight in shining armor coming to the rescue of many.
Jason and Hannah lost some trees and also the chimney collapsed on the roof. Don't know the extent of the damage there. They have no power except a portable generator. Hannah was in Roanoke Rapids Saturday getting gasoline and supplies.
Shawn and Christie have some trees down and a broken storm door. They were with some of Shawn's family during the storm.
Jeremy and Cathy had lots of trees down in their yard, only 1 pine still standing. They have no power but do have Ed's generator. Phone service also out. Sounds like they were very fortunate as a good portion of Colerain was devastated.
We were very blessed at our house, had only some limbs and debris in yard and power was out for only about 12 hours.
Ben had some water damage to his condo but I don't know much else. If he has power, maybe he can update us.
A limb from a tree fell across the fence in Andrea's yard but everyone is safe.
Howie called inquiring about the camping trip but as of now no specific plans have been made. Should we go ahead and plan a trip or forget it for this year?
Thankfully no one from the family was injured in the storm. Haven't heard from everyone though.

Thanks to Hannah for inviting us to Clay's #1 birthday party. Had a great time even though we left b4 he opened his presents. Still would like to go camping but the mountains are not an option for us. Way too far for Emma to ride. That weekend (26-28) is probably not possible for us either. Shawn has a friend who is getting married and that is the tentative BACHELOR PARTY WEEKEND, granted there is still a beach left to go to. Thanks again to Margaret for allowing us to take her week at the beach even though the weather wasn't the greatest. But..... my boss did treat us (Me, Shawn, Jack & Terri) to some Kelly's food.Yum!Yum! G2G, Emma calls!

Blog later.

Happy first birthday to the birthday boy, Clay. Hope it is great.

Outdoor World is having their annual pig-pickin' the weekend of Sept 27-28 if anyone is interested even though I don't know how enjoyable it would be, thinking about Margaret laid up like she is. Any thoughts. Sure feels like camping weather though.

"Camping"

Hello. I wonder if anyone has considered camping in the mountains. That sounds like fun to me.

"Camping"

I do want the family to go camping! I really enjoy the time together. I could care less where we go and long as the gang is all there!!!!!
Cathy, Glad to hear the good news. Good luck in October.

Cathy went back to the doctor yesterday to have her stitches taken out. They said that the test shows that all abnormal cells have been removed. Her surgery to have the one taken off of her back is scheduled for October 1.
Ben, it is a wonderful thing that you are doing for Marquis. I hope that everything works out for the best.
Talked to Margaret for a few minutes yesterday. It seems that they have gotten her blood too thin again and it's causing problems for her. Hopefully this will get adjusted before too long.
Christie mentioned camping in her blog. Bertha said that she mentioned maybe going to somewhere different this year, maybe to the coast. I hear Rodanthe has a nice campground. Sounds good to me. Input, anyone?

"My Big Brother"

Ben, I am very proud of you. Marquis is very lucky to have you in his life! We are looking foward to seeing yall at the party. It's not going to be much, just a cookout with the family and few friends. He is quite the show clown!! He loves to dance and make faces.
**For those who know Rickie Goodwin, he grew up in Center Hill, he is about mom's age.
He was work in the grain tank at work and slipped into the auger and it cut his foot off. It happened about 2 1/2 weeks ago. He is doing ok, considering the circumstances. His spirits are really good. He is staying with his sister, Vicki Blanchard. He has 8 pins in his knee and the bones were just crushed. Keep him in your prayers. I have grown very fond of him over the past 2 years. Keep In Touch & Take Care !!!!

I remember seeing most of you at Margarts Pig Roast but it is somewhat of a blur. I went Monday and filed papers at the courthouse to take custody of Marquis. The court date is September 17th. I have had to move furniture all around to make room for him to have his own bedroom. That is quite a task. It seems that all the furniture from the whole condo is in the living room now. I have, since Marquis has been living with me, found that my favorite room in the whole place is the bathroom. I took him bowling for his birthday (with 12 of the other mission kids) The AMF bowling center will never be the same again. He starts school Tuesday and is excited about that. I am trying to change my schedule around to make this all work. Is Margaret home now? I am planning on coming to Clay's birthday party. Ben

Talked to Margaret last night and she found a lady who is the daughter of a lady who is a companion of Mrs Graves who was the wife of a former employer of Gene's (did everybody follow that?) She stayed with Margaret yesterday and Margaret seemed quite pleased with her so hopefully that will work out well. Margaret goes to the orthopedic surgeon today to be seen for the first time since the surgery. She will be x-rayed and her progress evaluated. I trust that she will get a good report.
Talked to Daddy last night and he seemed much improved.

To answer Christie's question...One day I just happened to notice a mole on my stomach that I did not remember being there. It just looked pretty big for me not to remember being there. I'm not sure if it had always been there and had just gotten bigger or what. It was a fairly good size and part of it was raised. I just got a worried feeling about it. The doctor didn't seemed to be concerned about the one on my stomach. He just took it off because I was worried about it. But he looked at the one on my back and immedietely said that one was abnormal and had to be cut out. I'm really not worried about that one, cause i've had it all my life. but the doctor seems to be. but i was right about the first one, so maybe i'll be right about the one on my back. so if you ever have one that you question, it's best to take it off. it was really no big deal for them to take it off the surface.

As for Jeremy's truck, the only luck he's had is finding another one. He's found one he likes and worked a deal out, but just like the last one, we're going all the way to Winston-Salem to get it. The cop must have known what he was talking about when he told us we would never see that truck again.

Hope everyone has a good labor day and has the day off!

Spent the last few days with Margaret. Physically she seems to be doing very well. Emotionally, I'm not so sure. Maybe she can share some thoughts on this. It's my personal feeling that she does not need to be without someone readily available as she could get in trouble at any time and need someone's help. Her neighbor, Fran and son, Hans are at home during the day a majority of the time and do drop in so this is some comfort. Margaret is exploring some avenues so hopefully some of this will work out. Keep the prayers flowing.

Cathy has not received a report from her surgery. Goes back to the doctor on September 2. She may not know anything until then.

No time for me to blog either. Just a few quickies.....

Cathy, hope everything goes well and you recover quickly. Any word on the truck??? Also, did your moles start looking different or were you just concerned?

MArgaret... hope you had a good first night in your own surroundings. Get well soon!!!

Camping????????

Good night!

Update on Cathy. They only did the surgery on the area on her stomach. Don't know anything yet as the tissue will have to be biopsied. She slept fine last night but woke up to pain and discomfort. Otherwise she seems to be doing well. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Just wanted to let everyone know that Cathy's surgery has been changed to Thursday, the 21st. Love to all.

Well, I could give the details of the truck as we knew it, but I think it is more likely that the truck is just in pieces by now. Atleast that's what the cop seems to think. It was a bummer, especially for Jeremy, but we're looking ahead. Luckily, Jeremy didn't need it to get to work. (He just walks across the road) It's actually saving us a lot of money not fueling it up all the time...just in case anyone is thinking about hiking the appalachian trail, don't believe everything you read...Damascus, VA is NOT the "friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail"

Amber's 1st Day

Amber started school yesterday for the first time with all of her classmates. She enjoyed it alot! She will not let me take her to school, she has to ride the bus. Clay is doing well. It is hard to believe that he will be 1 YEAR OLD in a month! He has learn to zip across the floor quite fast. I am looking foward to seeing everyone this weekend! Take care!!

Attention! Attention! Be on the lookout for a 2002? green Dodge 4-wheel drive pick-up when you are out and about. Jeremy's truck was stolen while he was on the Appalachian Trail hike last week. I don't know what distinquishing features it has except it's big and green. Maybe Jeremy or Cathy can add more info. It was stolen from a park in Damascus, VA, I think.

Spent Wednesday evening and most of Thursday with Margaret. She is doing just great, still needs to slow down on her extra-curricular activities though. Each time I see her working with the occupational therapist and the physical therapist, I can see improvement. They were asking for measurements on her stairs at home so that they could order her ramp so I don't think it will be too long before they'll be talking about her going home. Kinda scary, I think. It would be for me anyway. They said the stairs will be of the temporary type that roll out and you can take up when they are no longer needed. She's really getting good care and developing some friendly relationships with the staff.
Sounds like the GA Belvins are having a great time with Dad being home!

Saturday August 16

Anyone who wants to spend the night at my house is welcome. The nursing center is about 20 minutes from my house. Let me know ASAP if you plan to stay at my house. I am on vacation from the 16th through the following 2 weeks and my fried Terry is coming into town from Chicago. Peace Ben

Great news this morning. Michelle was on her way to meet Chris at the airport last night (in Charleston, I think, not sure)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH--Reserve this date on your calendar. A pig roast is planned to celebrate Chris's return. It will be held at the nursing center. They have a wonderful courtyard with wrought iron furniture which will work great. More details later.
As Norma, the cleaning lady at the nursing center, said, "God is good!"

Well, paperwork is done on my end; waiting for company, battalion and brigade commanders' signatures. Target date for me to leave Baghdad for Kuwait is 4 Aug. Will probably be spending a couple days in Kuwait waiting for a flight back to Europe and then the States. Will be on leave until 18 Aug. Plan on being in Norfolk for about a week, but will stay longer until the 17th if needed. Might sign in off leave early to save leave for a week or two with Michelle and the kids in Sept and a week toward Oct/Nov for traveling to job interviews in Va or Md. Don't know exactly when I'll be back to Ga. Called Mom today- got her voice mail on her cell phone. Will maybe try again tomorrow. Anyway, love you guys. Gotta' run.
Love,
Chris

Well, let's try this again. Was almost done typing, and the darn (not the word I used when it happened) power went out for 5 min. We'll be on generator power for about 5 min before it goes out and we're back on city power. Have I mentioned I hate Iraq??? And it's our fault, if you ask the locals, not the terrorists who take out power plants and transformers at every chance. Anyway, it wasn't boxes for my personal stuff we needed. It was boxes to box up individual chemical suits, boots and gloves in my trailer. We downloaded everything, counted it all up, and put it in trashbags, then repacked the trailer. They're supposed to be starting my paperwork today and I should hopefully be leaving Baghdad in a few days, spend a few days in Kuwait, then fly to an airbase in Europe somewhere to refuel, resupply and to Hunter Army Air Field (HAAF) in Savannah. Oh yeah, my flight from Kuwait to eventually the States will be a civlilan plane chartered by the military. At this point, I don't care. I'll fly in a C-17 or C-130 cargo plane again. It's how I got home from Korea in March 2001. Anyway, I'll be spending the night in Ga and then hit I-95 the next day, whenever it is I get home. Thanks everyone for your help with Mom and Dad and for your prayers. Only got about 3 minutes left on my hour. Costs $3/hour for the i-net then ya' gotta' get off. Yep, Iraq sucks! Anyway, looking forward to the pig roast. Think we should postpone it for a few months until Mom's okay and walking on her own. Of course we'll have family Christmas before then. I can wait. Want mom to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. I just wanna' come home to my Momma'. Kids worry as much about their parents as the parents do their kids. Gotta' go. Love you guys.

Chris

Thought I would put the address for the hospital on the blog in case someone needs it to send a card:
Sentara Norfolk General
600 Gresham Dr
Norfolk, VA 23507

Lol called today and said that Margaret is out of intensive care and into a room. Her room number is 673. The phone number is 757-668-4673. She said that Margaret was very tired today because of the move which happened in the middle of the night (did not get settled in until 3 in the morning) and also because of the many visits on Monday. Hopefully she will have a better day tomorrow. Gene called tonight with great news. He said that Christopher's command has okayed his coming home, so he should be home within the next 10 days. As we pray for Margaret's continued recovery, let's also pray for Chris's safe passage home.

As some of you know, Gene and I, along with Howie's family went to Macon, to Michelle's mothers for Cortlyn's birthday. On Friday, Chris called to wish her a Happy Birthday and we got to talk with him. He told Michelle that there was a video conference on Sunday, so she got on the phone to get information. On Sunday morning, Michelle, kids, Howie and Gene and I piled in her van and went to Ft Stewart, a 2 1/2 hr ride. They had all the families under a tent waiting their turn. Brovo unit went first and they were running behind when we got there. In Charlie company, there were 24 families waiting. We were number 23. We got to see Chris for only 2 minutes, but it was great, not much time for conversation, only we love him. He had hair, which I haven't seen in quite some time and has lost about 20 pounds, but he still looked good, a little tired, but good. He was surprised to see all of us there, but was pleased. The children loved seeing him. He mentioned in an email that he thinks there's another conference this weekend and his unit will go first, maybe a little more time for Michelle and the kids to talk with him. I had tried to change our flight back home, but it would have cost another $570, so I just went on faith that it'd all work out. If we had not been at the end, we would have made our flight. After another 2 1/2 hours back and then another hour to get to the airport in Atlanta, we arrived at the airport about 25 minutes before our flight. If we had not had luggage to check, we might have made our flight, but luggage has to be checked at least 30 minutes before departure. It still worked out, our flight was scheduled for 8:15 pm and they put us on the 9:30 flight without charging us a penalty to change. Now I want to see him again. He is seriously considering re-enlisting, but we'll see.

Joyce, let me know if I can do anything for Cathy when she has her surgery.

I talked to Dad tonight and he had seen the Doctor from Greenville today and the Doctor released him. Told him not to hesitate to call him if he had any concerns or other problems and if at any time, he felt he might be having a stroke, to rush to the hospital. He had that was his best bet to prevent more problems. Dad and I had a good laugh, when I asked what the hospital did to inprove his chances of it not being too bad, and my answer to my question was they would give him a shot for pain for his arthritis as they did before. I hope he has no more problems. Talk to all of you soon.

Boy, do I need a vacation! When you're gone for a week, drive about 2200 miles, get your suitcase in and out 5 times, it's certainly not a vacation. I didn't even get my toenails painted if that tells you anything. But seriously we did enjoy seeing everyone. Lynn was doing great and feels that she's just where God wants her to be. She has a nice new house with a very small yard (which is plenty for her needs) and seems to be so happy with Sonya, Lance and the girls nearby. Very happy with a mission-minded church within 10 minutes of her house. Enjoyed seeing Tom and family also in Orlando even though it was a little crowded with all 8 of us in the condo. Little Tommy who is 2-1/2 is also very active. Of course Leah and Tonya and their 12-year old cousin, Alston kept him going at full force. Saw Norma, Rick & boys and Mike and Deonne on Friday and Saturday. Everyone seemed well. Ed & I both definitely want another vacation though.
Because of work and vacation plans, Cathy had to postpone her surgery until August 19th.

Good Morning everyone!

At work catching up on my blogger today. Trying not to wait so long between times. Sorry you didn't have a good welcome home but at least you made it home. Amber, we're sorry that we missed your art show as well but would love to come to the next one. I didn't know about Grandaddy's surgery either and I was at his house on Saturday and he didn't mention. I guess he figured it wasn't major so no need to alarm anyone. Blog you later!!!!

Well, I'm back home. Yesterday was not a great day; good because I arrived home safe, just not great. When we arrived in Newport News, they had lost my luggage. I came home and the fountain in my pond was not working. Having flown all night and not getting much sleep on the plane, all I wanted to do was go to bed, but decided that I had to clean the filter. After starting, I realized that I had lost my final koi and later discovered that my butterfly goldfish that I have had since the beginning was also dead. I worked on the filter for a little, but knew that I needed to do more, but everything was going wrong and all I wanted to do was cry. I finally decided that I had to abandon the project except for rinsing the filter. I decided that I had to go to bed even if all fish died. After a nap and a short meeting I had to attend at 4, I came home, had dinner, realized I had another dead fish, decided that I had to do a through job of cleaning the pond, Borrowed Fran's kiddie pool and removed the fish from the pond to the pool with Fran's helping by holding the flash light to find all the fish. It took forever to pump all of the water out and clean everything. Believe it or not I did not finish until almost midnight. Fran said that since it was the bigger fish that I was losing, it seemed that they were not getting enough oxygen and not someting that was toxic in the pool. The way that the bigger fished looked, I just knew that they'd be dead this morning, but so far they're all still living. (Fran stayed until about 9)

Oh I did get my luggage. For some reason it did not get put on the plane in Atlanta even thoiugh we had a two hour layover there. There were two other people whose luggage was also missing. They put it on another flight later in the afternoon.

Had a good time, enjoyed my down time. One day I never left the condo. I started a book early afternoon by the pool and finished it before I went to bed. I ate some leftovers from another night. The whole time I didn't cook anything except breakfast, being by myself, it wasn't worth cooking. I'd eat out one night and bring home leftovers.

I did not know about Dad's surgery today. I'll call him tomorrow. I would have thought someone would have told me.

Amber, next time I'd like to come to you art show and purchase some valuable painting.

Well, I'm back home. Yesterday was not a great day; good because I arrived home safe. When we arrived in Newport News, they had lost my luggage. I came home and the fountain in my pond was not working. Having flown all night and not getting much sleep on the plane, all I wanted to do was go to bed, but decided that I had to clean the filter. After starting, I realized that I had lost my final koi and later discovered that my butterfly goldfish that I have had since the beginning was also dead. I worked on the filter for a little, but knew that I needed to do more, but everything was going wrong and all I wanted to do was cry. I finally decided that I had to abandon the project except for rinsing the filter. I decided that I had to go to bed even if all fish died. After a nap and a short meeting I had to attend at 4, I came home, had dinner, realized I had another dead fish, decided that I had to do a through job of cleaning the pond, Borrowed Fran's kiddie pool and removed the fish from the pond to the pool and Fran's helping of holding the flash light to find all the fish. It took forever to pump all of the water out and clean everything. Believe it or not I did not finish until almost midnight. Fran said that since it was the bigger fish that I was losing, it seemed that they were not getting enough oxygen and not someting that was toxic in the pool. The way that the bigger fished looked, I just knew that they'd be dead this morning, but so far they're all still living.

Oh I did get my luggage. For some reason it did not get put on the plane in Atlanta even thoiugh we had a two hour layover there. There were two other people whose luggage was also missing. They put it on another flight later in the afternoon.

Had a good time, enjoyed my down time. One day I never left the condo. I started a book early afternoon by the pool and finished it before I went to bed. I ate some leftovers from another night. I didn't cook anything except breakfast, being by myself, it wasn't worth cooking.
I'd eat out one night and bring home leftovers.

I did not know about Dad's surgery today. I'll call him tomorrow. I would have thought someone would have told me.

Amber, next time I'd like to come to you art show and purchase some valuable painting.

It was nice catching up with everyone (reading the last 15 or so bloggers). I'm a little behind, with Emma and everything the internet is one of my last things on my mind or list. I have to make one now. Not to sound gross or anything but I think with that amniotic fluid went some of my brain cells!!! She finally has some teeth; 2 on bottom 2 on top and 2 jaw teeth. WoW! Thought that would never happen. Corey made the All-Star Baseball Team for 13 year olds. Tournament was during the week of the 4th with first game to be on Tuesday, 7/1. It got rained out and postponed until Wednesday 7/2. Guess what??? IT RAINED ALL DAY. Postponed until Thursday, 7/3; finally we played only to get beaten really bad. The All-Stars only practiced together as team once, which made it kind of hard to know what everyong was going to do. Anyways, we had another game on FRIDAY, JULY 4th!!! It was to start at 1:30 but the other team forfeited so we won which meant we had to play again at 5:30. Played an excellent game with the exception that it lasted 4 hours!!! Game was tied for the last 4 innings of 11 innings. We won 15 to 14!!! Saturday, however was a replay of our first game and it was called in the 5th inning by the 10 run rule. Oh well, better luck next year.

It was nice to hear from Chris and know that he is alive and well. Will definetly keep him in our prayers. Hope everyone had a safe and fun vacation and looking forward to seeing all soon.

Any tenative camping dates???

No, Joyce, I haven't hit the jackpot, but I'm only lost 50 cents. The first time, when I ate dinner there was poker machine in front of you. I put in $1. and won $1.50 on my first hand. Since I was ahead, I decided it was time to cash out. If ahead, stop. Another time walking through a casino to get to another street, I put in $1 and got $1 back. I should have stopped, but I put the $1 back and it kept it. ONly money I've lost. My biggest win was I was stopped to go view a time share for $50 cash and two tickets to a buffet. After getting there and filling out the paper work, I had to provide ID and a major credit card. I had left credit cards at home and only had a check card, which they would not accept. Without taking the tour, I was given $50 and the two tickets. I consider this a big win.

I guess you've all gotten the email about Chris coming home (we pray). He is suppose to be going by convoy on the 18th to Kuiwait. This is where some of the attacks have happened, so please keep him and all the others in your prayers especially hard that date. We'll be in Macon for Cortlyn's birthday and Michelle says we'll be on our knees. She got to see him last weekend on video conferenceing and said he looked great, a little thin, but still looked great. She said she could tell when he saw her, his eyes lit up. She was so excited. She's planning to quit her job.

I'll be back home Sunday in Newport News around 9:45 am. It's been really hot here, about 110 degrees. Ricky and Bertha, we are coming back. I have some ideas how and we'll make it happen.

Joyce, Hope you and Ed have a great trip. Love all you guys. Margaret

Well, we'll be leaving for Pensacola today as soon after lunch as work permits us to leave. My backside should be a little wider after sitting for all these miles. Ed and I will take turns driving even though I'm sure he'll drive most of the time as it's one of his favorite things to do.
Cathy and Jeremy are also leaving today for a few days at the Isom extended family vacation in Sunset Beach. They should be back by Tuesday.
Talk to everyone when we get back. (well, not everyone but some of you)

Hope that everyone had a nice 4th. We certainly did. Had a nice visit from Dad and Joan during the day and then went to a Hawaiian luau that evening followed by a huge display of fireworks at a friend's home. We went out on the boat Saturday and received a surprise visit from Barry who spent Saturday night with us.

We are busy getting ready to go on vacation. We'll be visiting Lynn Casper in Pensacola, then on to Orlando to be with Tom, Linda and the kids, and then on to Savannah to see Norma. Checked with AAA this morning and found out we'll be putting at least 2000 miles on Ed's truck. We'll probably need a vacation when we get home, but it'll be nice to get away and also to see everyone.

Wonder if Margaret has struck the jackpot yet!

News from Chris in Iraq

Greetings from the Ministry of the Interior. Yep, finally got internet here.

We've been here for a month, after spending 47 days up the street at the Monument of Saddam's Qadissiya Matyrs for 47 days, and before that about 2 weeks on the western side of the Tigris River at the Old Palace Presidential Site, West Baghdad's version of Camp David, but probably much more gawdy and lavish. Most of y'all know we were the first ones across the border March 20 and led the 3rd Infantry Division's attack up the western desert, all the way to Karbala Gap, where we secured the bridge over the Euphrates, allowing the other 2 brigades of 3rd ID move into position to attack Baghdad. Yeah, when you've been through what we've been through, ya' gotta' brag a
little.
Anyway, they've evaluated and re-evaluated and it appears 1st Armored Division still can't keep these people in line, so we're still an "important" part of V Corps for now. The Corps commander should know what kind of wimps 1st AD is since he was just the division commander. When we took over from the Marines here in the eastern part of Baghdad, the shooting and crime went down. Now, even though they relieved us a month ago, the crime and shootings have gone back up. 2 looters who also stabbed 2 other Iraqis found out the hard way what happens when you try to resist an Infantry Quick Reactionary Force (QRF) of 5-8 guys from C Co, 2-7 Infantry. You end up with a severe head trauma. Got the pictures to prove it. Anyway, there's another re-re-evaluation supposed to be on the 15th. If 2nd Brigade gets the word to leave, we should be leaving mid-August. But, for now. I'm still counting on the early September scenario. Even the locals say that 1st AD is stupid and scared. They don't even shoot at the 3rd ID soldiers down here now. They know the whole block will end up in jail or dead. Better them than us.
I'm doing fine. Reading, writing letters and in my journal (on my second volume now), pulling radio watch, throwing an Iraqi bayonet at a target. Yeah, a newfound sport/hobby I picked up here. It's actually quite relaxing.
Battalion's supposed to have quite the cook-out laid out today. At least the menu looks good. It's 0552 hours July 4th here. Well, that's about it for now. Thanks for all the letters, cards, prayers, goodies, etc. Will probably be back on in a few days. Paying $3/hour for internet use. Love you guys!

Getting bored with Baghdad,
Chris

Joyce, how do you invite someone to join our blog? Since I forwarded Chris' email to you, I guess you know that now at least some times, he'll be able to email. I would like for him to have a chance to join, a good way to see what is happening with our family and communicate with everyone at once. Since I'll be gone, could you take care of it for me. Thanks.

As you all know, I leave for Las Vegas on Saturday, 7/5. Here is the informaton where I'll be.
Fairfield Grand Desert
265 East Harmon Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89109

702-691-2600 or I'll also have my cell 757-537-6653.

I called Dad last night, Tuesday, and when I didn't get an answer, I left the message that I hoped that his not being home, meant that he was feeling good and was out playing. He called me back this morning and he had been out mowing his grass and said he felt great and was also feeling good this morning, like his old self. It was so nice hearing him talk. When we have our health, we seem to take it for granted, but after feeling bad, you could tell he was so glad to be alive and feeling well. In case I don't have another chance to post again before I leave, I'll be back from Las Vegas on Sunday, the 13th at 9:45 am, I'll be flying all night. It was cheaper that way. Happy 4th to all.

Happy Birthday to Terri. Tried to call to explain why you have not received your card. It is still in my purse. I got the card, called Gene to get the address so that I could mail it and found it tonight in my purse. Hope it was great.

We'll keep Cathy in our prayers.

We were in Elizabeth City on Sunday to visit with Mr. Belvin. Went to lunch at the Marina.

I've started printing from the blogger to send to Chris. When I did it last I realized that in my last blog I had repeated what I had already posted. Had forgotten that I had written about the visit before, oh well, I am 60. What can you expect.

Cathy's Mole Report

Cathy received the results of her mole removal today. The report said she had some high level (I forget the medical term) atypical cells and they will be removing the tissue around the mole area to remove all the atypical cells at a later date. Please remember her in your prayers and we will keep you updated.

Happy Birthday to Terri. Hope that things are well with you.

Had a nice visit with Dad yesterday. He seemed in fairly good spirits. Went by the see Sherlon at the hospital. He has had a setback as he had to have his gallbladder removed but he looked remarkably well considering all he has been through. Carolyn is worried because he has no appetite so therefore is eating very little. At some point in the future he will be going back to Greenville for physical therapy to try to regain his walking abilities (after the plate in his pelvic area fuses). Enjoyed my supper tonight. Corn from Ricky and squash and green onions from Jeremy and Cathy's garden (mostly Jeremy's). Will have my cucumbers tomorrow.

GA Belvin Visit conti- On Tuesday, Gene had to go out of town for a meeting and I gave Beverly and Michelle the day off. They went to Williamsburg and to the pottery. With Bertha's help, we took the children to the beach and we all had a great time. We then had a late lunch before Bertha and Amber headed to home for Amber's tball game. After some ice cream, I took the children to see "Finding Nemo" which was cute. Gene, Beverly and Michelle met us at MacArthur Mall at Chilli's where Beverly took us to dinner. Then on Wednesday Gene worked a funeral, we took the ferry to Portsmouth where Gene met us for lunch and then had a visit at the Children's Museum, which is a favorite place of the children. Gene fried his "Pop's Famous Fried Chicken" for dinner. They all left for home around 9:30 am today and I went back to work. I'd much rather play. We enjoyed their visit and hope they'll come back soon. On Wednesday morning before Michelle got up, Beverly told me that Chris had called during the night (or as she put it, "it'd better have been Chris who called her at 3 am He had called home and then Beverly's and then her cell phone. He says his date to get out the Army is December 20. I think he was in pretty good spirits. I have to go to bed. Good night.

The Georgia Belvin crew, along with Beverly Shore, Michelle's mother, arrived about 7:30 am Monday morning after traveling all night. Michelle and Beverly were tired (for some strange reason), but the children had plenty of energy. So after a short visit, Michelle and Beverly went to bed and Gene and I took the children to the zoo. For any one who hasn't been recently, it has really changed in the last year or so. After we were all worn out, we went to MacDonald's for lunch. After dinner that night, we all walked to Dairy Queen for ice cream, even Angel, the newest addition, a wire terrior that Michelle acquired, since it's pregnant owner lived in a second floor apartment and was having trouble walking the dog. Everyone slept well, and even at 8:30 the next moring no one was up except me, even Cortlyn, who usually comes into our room no later than 7 am each morning. Even Blooger tells me I talk too much - to be cont.

Yes, Joyce, I also thought about Gloria yesterday. It's hard to believe that she would have been 54 (If I figured right). She'll always be 38 to me. During church, I thought I'd call Cristie and Terri yesterday, but the day got away from me, with preparing for Michelle's visit. They left Macon around 10 pm Sunday night and arrived here around 7:30 am. Michelle and Beverly were tired, but the children had slept almost all the way. We had a busy day, Gene and I took the children to the zoo while Beverly and Michelle got some rest and then to McDonalds for lunch. We cooked out for dinner and then walked to Dairy Queen for ice cream and caught lightning bugs on the way. With Bertha and Amber, we'll go to the beach tomorrow. Gene has to go out of town for a meeting and Beverly and Michelle are going to Williamsburg. On Wednesday, we plan to take the ferry to Portsmouth and go to the Children's Museum, which is great and the children love to go there and they leave on Thursday. We also received a letter from Chris today dated May 13.

Sorry I was too busy yesterday getting ready for VBS but I fully intended to mention the fact that it was the birthday of our sister, Gloria. I still miss her and think of her often as I'm sure all of you do.

Cathy had one mole removed today and is scheduled for surgery to remove a second larger one on July 29. Talked to Dad and he was very tired but seemed to be better. Dad said Bertha had all the details so look forward to her blog.

Cathy is going to a dermatologist in Greenville today to have some moles checked out. Please remember her and also Dad in your prayers.

I wanted to share something that I read in Amber's classroom. "The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn!" Isn't that great. But it takes someone with special skill to accomplish that and Bertha you probably have that special skill. When I saw it, I copied it because I knew you would like it.

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.-----Then you will be a mile away and you will have their shoes.

We also had a good time at the Blanchards yesterday, such good food, fresh string beans, fresh squash, fresh cucumbers, grown and fixed by Cathy and Jeremy and oh so many great desserts. I also wanted to share with everyone, we are excited that next Sunday, we will be having family coming to visit. Michelle, her mother, Beverly and the children are coming for a few days. We are already planning activities and look forward to their visit. How we have some good weather while they're here. Due to a bad accident, we had to be re-routed from 32 so we traveled past Richard's and stopped, but no one was at home.

Happy, Happy Birthday to the old fogey, Gene Belvin. Hope that you have a good birthday doing what you want to do and enjoying yourself. We sure did have a good day yestiddy at the Blanchard's. They sure know how to throw a party. I probably won't blog much this week as I'll be working on VBS for next week. All you young mothers, I believe Bertha is asking for your help.

Hello everyone. Just wanted to let whomever needs to know that I will be bringing deviled eggs and maybe a dessert on Sunday. I know I said strawberry salad, Bertie, but I think deviled eggs is more in keeping with the picnic theme. Let me know if this is not okay. Looking forward to seeing whomever is there.

I've told some of you, but thought I'd share with others. Friday night, I dreamed of Chris that had jumped into a body of waterand was swimming toward a boat that was idleing. As he approached the boat it started and Chris got caught and was being dragged yelling, "Mom, I'm hurt, Mom, I'm hurt" I was running on the bank trying to get the attention of driver of the boat yelling, "I'm coming, I'm coming." I woke up very frightened and looked that the clock to note the time, 4:20 AM. I started praying, "Please don't let him be hurt" I drifted off to sleep and about 15 minutes later the phone rang. You can imagine how worried I was. It happened to be Chris. He was calling, but thankfully, not saying he was hurt. He had only 3 minutes. He had called to wish Gene a Happy Father's Day and a Happy Birthday. Since we had spoken to him since he left in January, it was great to hear his voice. Hannah, I'm glad you and Amber were not hurt in your accident on Saturday. Tell Amber I'm sorry I didn't get to see her but am looking forward to seeing her this weekend. Bertha, thanks for listening to me gripe. Sorry I kept you up too late. I did get to see Emma, she is so cute. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, but am sorry that none of my family will be able to attend.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to Jeremy and Cathy! Hope that you two have a great evening renewing your vows or whatever.

Hello everyone. We received a letter from Christopher today, postmarked 5/13/03. He talked about a rumor that they would be home by June 1. I'm sure they are all disappointed that they're still in Iraq but maybe things will change soon and the 3rd division will get to come home. Chris is definitely ready. Hope everyone has a nice weekend. Ed is happy. The blue birds are back!

Happy, Happy Birthday to the birthday girl, Amber Elizabeth! Hope that you have a wonderful birthday and are enjoying your new home and new school.
Talked to Daddy yesterday and he said that Sherlon is now in Edenton at the skilled care center by the hospital. He is planning to visit him soon. Great News!

Hello, Margaret. I'm glad that you have begun entering on the blog. I realized I didn't tell you what the edit button is for. After you have posted your blog and then maybe want to go back and change something or add something that you forgot, just click on the "edit" and it will put your blog back at the top so that you can continue entering to your heart's desire. Just be sure to post and publish before leaving. I'm not sure but I think the time is maybe the time at the home of the Mother Blog which may be another country. On your last entry on my computer it said the time was 10:42:20 PM 6/1/2003. I'm glad that you and Michelle feel better about Chris. We do likewise, but it's still not as good as it would be to put your arms around his neck, huh? We'll keep praying.

I'm really not up at 3:30:47 AM. I've checked my computer clock and it's right. Joyce is there any thing I need to do to correct the time. I almost called you, but realized that it's 10:30 PM.

Another update. You may be as confused as I am, but maybe the result of prayer. I have been so worried about Chris. I was concerned that his superior officer was making life miserable for him. Well Michelle got a call from him again this weekend and he seemed totally different. She says that he says he thinks he'll reenlist. He was to get out at the end of this year. I guess things are not as bad as it had seemed. I talked to her about her mom, her and the kids coming for Fathers Day. She said she would like to come, but her father had said something about coming to see her the middle of the month. When she finds out when he's coming, she'll let me know when they 'll come to see us. The children get out of school this Wednesday, I think. Howie and Lol are talking about coming. Howie and Kyle had an interesting weekend. They spent the weekend on (I'm not sure on which ship they slept) but were on the carrier, Yorktown, destroyer Laffey, Coast Guard cutter Ingham, Submarine Clamagore and took a shuttle boat to Ft. Sumpter. It sounded like they both enjoyed themselves, although Howie says the sleeping quarters were very cramped. Joyce, Michelle's birthday is the day before Lol's, March 15, so I'll always remember both or forget both. Lol's parents are coming for a visit tomorrow and on Wednesday Lol and Howie are going on a rafting trip. Hope for good weather.

Happy Birthday to Cathy and "Squirrel". Hope you both have a grand one. I need the birthdays of: Michelle, Carol, Jack, Shawn, and Jason. You don't have to give me the year but it would make it more interesting.
Margaret: you don't want to delete edit or make it go away. If you hit "view web page," it won't be there. If you don't want to or have time to enter anything, you can just go to: byrumlayton.blogspot.com and you won't have to enter a password but you can't type anything without going through www.blogger.com and entering your password, I think. Do not enter www before byrumlayton. Is all that as clear as mud?

Joyce, how do I get rid of the word edit at bottom of message. I've started to highlight and then hit delete, but was afraid I'd delete the entire message.

Joyce, I know what I did wrong. I clicked on Posts on the left, not on Post on the right side. Further on Chris coming home. After posting the message yesterday, I saw an article is USA Today entitled "Relief for US troops lacking, Allies pledge less help in Iraq than expected". To quote the section that pertains to Chris, "The Army's 3rd Infantry Division, which led the ground assault on Baghdad, is now expected to remain in country indefinitely rather than leaving next month as planned. The division was expected to be replaced by the 1st Armored Division, which has recently arrived" It must be very disappointing to think you'd be coming home in June and now have no idea when. Jeremy, I'm glad you're doing okay now. It sounded horrible. Happy Birthday to Cathy tomorrow. Cathy, when I said to share that with Jeremy, I meant the card. I later realized that maybe you had thought I had put money in the card. Also Happy Birthday to Richard. I'm sure he won't see this, so Christie, would you tell him for me?

Bertha, I'm sorry you and Ricky are not going to Las Vegas. I had also not planned to go, but realized that there's a national insurance meeting the end of the week, so I think I'll plan to go since it'll be tax deductible.

Happy 6th Birthday to the birthday girl, Amber Belvin. Hope that you have a great day with family and friends who love you. You people having problems with losing your blog must be leaving to go somewhere else before posting. Always post before leaving and then you can edit before publishing, I think. Hope this helps. Believe it or not, Ed and I have just finished redo-ing our front bathroom. Well, almost finished. He is changing the faucet as I write. So if you hear any cussing, you'll understand. I bet you thought we would go to our graves with the same wallpaper, didn't you? Ed, who is very resistant to change, still has not cozied up to the new wallpaper and Andrea, I know you said you liked it because it was vintage but it already done so we'll probably have to live with this for another 25 years and maybe then this will be vintage. Hope that everyone has a nice weekend. Cathy and Jeremy are in Winston-Salem attending a wedding of friends. Jeremy went back to the doctor Thursday and the doctor said everything looked fine. Jeremy had an episode on Tuesday with bleeding and a bloodclot formed in his throat which he was finally able to clear out but Cathy said it looked like his brains came out. Jeremy did check it out for any organs which might have been in it, seriously. Sounded very dangerous and grotesque. Thankfully everything is fine. Love to all.

Not great news. Talked to Michelle today and she had just gotten back from ??? and the news is that Chris' group will probably not be back until August, September or even October. Also he's moving North, which Michelle is where the attacks are taking place. Maybe we're not praying hard enough or maybe someone knows better that us. Thank for prayers.

Now I know what Christie was talking about. I've just spent the last 15 to 20 minutes telling all of you about this past weekend with Howie's family and Mother's Day weekend with Chris' family and now it's gone. I'll try again another time; 6:30am comes too early for me to retype.

I will tell you Michelle got a call from Chris on Saturday night. It was not very satisfying. He had ten minutes to talk and she got off the phone feeling awful; nothing he said; just he was not himself. We worry about the stress he's under, I think it's worse now the war is over. He had a buddy that got shot in the head and killed by a sniper since the war has ended. We do ask that you keep him in your prayers.

Hey Everybody!!!! I had a wonderful birthday! My mother brought me breakfast, Sat. morning. Then Sunday Jaime (my very best school friend) went to Charlotte to the races. We had a ball !!!!!!! Jaime is getting married this weekend so it was a bachorlette party too. Clay is doing great. He has 6 teeth and has crawling down pat. I give him a month and he'll be walking. He loves to wave bye bye and loves to play peek a boo. Amber is very excited about starting school. She will start the school daycare next week. She is now playing tee-ball and seems to enjoy it alot. Looking foward to seeing everyone on Father's Day! Take care!

My wishes that all had a great holiday weekend also! Emma FINALLY has a tooth. It has not popped all the way through yet, but probably in a couple of days. Glad you're feeling better Jeremy! What's the deal for Father's day again??? Looking forward to seeing everyone since I didn't see you all on Mother's Day. Blog, blog for now!

We got a letter from Christopher on Saturday. He says that the war has turned from "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to "Operation Enduring Boredom." I could tell that he is very anxious to be home with his family. I am committed to pray for not only his physical protection but also his emotional protection until he is back home with us. I will be doing this at the top of each hour daily and ask other family members to join me. God answers prayers.
Hannah, I didn't know that Bertie would be babysitting for you when I wrote your card.

The address for Pitt County Memorial Hospital where Sherlon is a patient is: 2100 Stantonsburg Rd., PO Box 6028, Greenville, NC 27835. I don't know Sherlon's room number but I'm sure he would appreciate a card.

Happy Birthday, Hannah. Don't party too hearty. You neither, Jason.

Jeremy had his packing removed today. We are all glad about that. His nose is still stuffed up, just not with cotton. He is still having a hard time especially when his medicine is wearing off. Hopefully, it will all be over soon!

Jeremy is back home now and the doctor said that the surgery went fine even though Jeremy feels lousy right now. Hopefully he will be back to his old self soon and that this surgery will correct the sinus problems that he has had for at least a year. Take care of yourself, Jeremy and take it easy for a while.

Our prayers and best wishes go with Jeremy tomorrow during his surgery. Thanks to Zack who is in Colerain this week keeping Jeremy company. Was wondering if anyone has an address for Sherlon.

I accepted your invitation and typed a lengthy message only to have it disappear. I'm not typing it again! Maybe this one will go through. To sum it up:

Sorry I didn't make on Mothers Day Aunt B. Looking forward to Father's Day as long as Shawn wants to since it is Father's Day!

Hope everything goes well for you, Jeremy, during surgery

Ben: either day works for me

Joyce/Margaret/Ben: Sorry you couldn't make it to Emma's first birthday party. I'll send pictures of her wearing cake!

Emma has begun to walk, 5-6 steps at the time. She still knows she can get there faster if she crawls. All in due time I guess!

In reply to Bertha's blog, does this mean that Sherlon is now coherent and able to communicate with family? Do we have an address for Sherlon? Also congratulations to Amber and Jason on a great job. Go, Robins! Keep up the good work!! Tell us more.

Actually Jeremy's pre-op is tomorrow. His surgery isn't until next Tuesday, 5/20.

Update on the blog: Howard/Michele/Ben/Barry/Cathy/Joyce/Ed have accepted the invite to join the blog. Still waiting on the rest of the clan. Hope that everyone will blog in and let us know what is happening in your neck of the woods.
Jeremy (Cathy's husband) is having surgery on Wednesday, the 14th, for removal of nose polyps.Please remember them in your prayers.

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there. We had a great time at the Blanchards today, filled with good fun, good fellowship and good food. In attendance was Cecil & Joan, Aloise & Doris, Ed & Joyce, Bertha & Ricky, Dianne & Parker, Dean, Christie? & Alex, Cathy & Jeremy, Terri, Ben, Hannah, Jason, Amber & Clay and Ashley. We also have a visit from Daisy. Bertha & Ricky's vehicles and home were damaged on Friday by baseball-size hail or was it basketball?

The Byrum-Layton Clan will be gathering at the home of Ricky & Bertha Blanchard for a Mother's Day Fish Fry Festival. Happy First Birthday to Emma James Ervin, namesake of Emma Layton Byrum. Little Emma is the daughter of Christie & Shawn Ervin and the sister of Ashley and Corey Venters.

Margaret and Gene are in Myrtle Beach with Chris' family for Mother's Day. Reachable at 843-913-5000.

First post! Love, Joyce and Barry