Monterrey Suesan

Hello from Monterrey... I thought I would share some images with everyone. Hope you enjoy.

Being Young Again

I was reminded this weekend of what it was like to be young again. So often we get caught up in everything that happens around us. We forget to see the beauty in simple things. To look through a child's eyes. I rediscovered this in a roll down the hill in a cardboard box. I know, it sounds crazy right? But for one brief minute, as I was tumbling round and round inside the cardboard, I had not a care in the world. When I stopped at the bottom of the hill, I was dizzy and awed all at the same time. I had forgotten what it was like to let go...really let go. God asks us to do that, give it all to Him. He will take care of everything. All we have to do is become like little children and let go...I hope you all find yourselves in your children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Find the simple pleasures around you, and experience the child like joy of letting go.
Not to say this was without pain, but I would do it all over again, for the simple delight at the end of the trip. :)

Looking forward to the weekend

Steve and I are going to head back out to J & K this weekend. Justin turns 28 on Friday. What a flood of emotions the birth of his son brought. Kat and I had some wonderful "Mother-Daughter" chats. I was glad I was able to help. I have been resting up in anticipation of another full weekend with everyone.
Work continues to be strange. Most lines are working overtime to build up bridge inventory in preparation for the move to Mexico. SO that means bring in more parts....Tempers are sometimes short, but there is a sadness there as well. It is the end to daily friendships that have endured through the years. Our battle cry becomes "We will survive"...and we will. Each day a new challenge, another step to a different path to follow....lots of prayers, lots of laughter, and of course lots of tears.

Ryan Dontae

As I am sure most of you know by now, Ryan Dontae has made his arrival. 6 lbs 15 oz, 18 3/4 inches long on Wed Jul 21@ 2:50pm. I am waiting for Mom and Dad to be the first to post pictures, then I will be flooding the site with photos.
Everyone is doing well. I got home late yesterday (Saturday) exhausted of course, but everyone is doing fine. Justin is so very proud to be a Daddy and he is handling most of his first time Dad duties just fine. He even bragged yesterday about his "Daddy Badge". The little guy had spit up on his shirt, and he was quite proud of it.
We love to watch our family continue to grow, and are anxious to share the new precious little bundle with everyone.

Good times and Bad

Life is full of surprises, some good, some bad. WE are still eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby JMIKE, none more eagerly than J & K I am sure. With a few false alarms, we are pretty sure the next one will be the real thing. :) The two boys have joined them for the summer as well, and are very anxious to meet their new baby brother. It is a house full of laughter, love and joy.
On Thursday this week, I found out that Haldex is closing it's doors for good in Iola. They have decided to move the contents to Mexico, to consolidate. It looks like a whole lot of people are going to be looking for another job. I am not sure what I will do at this point. I am better off then most, as our house is paid for. Just pray lots and see what opportunities come my way.
My Mom is in the hospital once again, with an infection. She is improving steadily, and hope she recovers completely this time.
My younger brother had double knee replacement and is coming along great. :)
Who knows what tomorrow will bring. But it doesn't matter. I am loved, and I know God has a plan for me. I am not saying it is going to be easy, but we have been in a lot tighter spots, and after all, I am a Marine. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
I will try to keep everyone posted, a little better than I have been.

Arizona Flowers

They say the desert in bloom is a thing of beauty. I have to agree. The colors are so bright they hurt your eyes, but you cannot look away. I am not sure my photos do them justice, but I hope you enjoy

Greetings from Arizona

Hello to all. Sorry I have no pictures yet. I have been just a little busy since I got here. Mom's operation is a success and now the real work begins. I am so very proud of her. She is in a lot of pain, but she is doing everything that she should. Dad is doing OK as well, now that the surgery is over. I am getting pictures, so I promise to try to post something, but you may have to wait until I come home. The weather here is awesome...It has been in the 80's and today it got to 90. It is nice to swim (only once so far) and the sky is blue.....Oh and the flowers. They got lots of rain here in January so everything is blooming. The cactus are beautiful. I will try to keep in touch as best I can. Take care all and keep us in your prayers