Happy Birthday, Johnny!
It's your birthday today and we celebrate it with you!
We hope you enjoy your day.

God grant you many, many years!

Love,
Mom & Dad

Veteran's Day ~ 2010




2nd MEB Memorial Service ~ April ' 2010



Veterans' Day ~ 2010

Naples, Italy

Almighty God, when men gathered at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 to sign the armistice agreement for what they thought would be the conclusion of the war to end all wars, they had no idea that in the 92 years that would pass until this gathering here today, America would have to endure at least one more global conflict, and more than five additional major conflicts. As we commemorate the service of all veterans on this day, let us not forget the sacrifice of so many in these terrible past seasons of unrest in human history, as well as in the campaigns that continue even as we speak today. Let us not despair, however, over the losses, but instead celebrate the victories that came not to satisfy the egos of tyrants, but to ensure peace and security for ordinary men and women everywhere. May this be an inspiration for us today, as well as for our future …and a solace for the losses of the past. Give us hope for a future where wars will finally cease, and where men can enjoy fellowship together at a common table of tranquility. Bless the food we’re about to receive, and the gracious and giving hands that traveled so far to provide it and prepare it for us. In your holy name we pray.

~ Amen.


* Fr. Philip [a.k.a. Chaplain Pelikan] said this prayer this morning at a special steak and egg breakfast provided to service members and their families on the base by "Chefs from the Valley."  They are a volunteer group of business men and women from the San Joaquin Valley in California who brought 3,500 steaks - paid for out of their own pocket - and all designed to honor the troops and their families on this Veterans' Day!

Happy Birthday Marine Corps!

Born in Tun Tavern, 235 years ago today, the United States Marine Corps has served our country with a distinction, belying its inauspicious beginnings. From its somewhat scandalous origins, the Corps has built a reputation for skill and intrepidity in war fighting that is second to none.

We are proud to have been associated with them for 10 of the 21 years that we’ve been in the Navy Chaplain Corps.



         Happy Birthday Marines and
                    Semper Fidelis

Birthday, Balloons & the Blues

Tomorrow is my birthday -  for the first time in Italy. But I was just thinking how it was 35 years ago - tomorrow - that I was "in" the hospital with false hopes, as it turned out, awaiting active labor and the birth of our second son - already a few weeks overdue! They sent me home, however! "It won't be long now." they said. 4 days later, our second son finally made his entrance into the world!


We've had, and will have, a number of birthday celebrations during these fall and winter months. Funny, I thought I'd be okay [sort of] with all of it. But it's really hitting me now, and not really turning out that way. As I see pictures and read the posts and emails about all the festivities, it tugs at my heartstrings more than I realized it would.

75 . . . 55 . . . 35 . . . 5 . . . and these are just the birthdays ending in the number 5 this fall/winter! Super-special years, and aching to be there celebrating the day these specal people in my family were born! And there are others!

What's to be done . . .

Papa and I watched Walt Disney's, Pollyanna, the other night, to see if would help cheer us up - definitely one of my all-time favorite movies! In that movie, Pollyanna, played by Haley Mills, is a cheerful young orphan girl who goes to live with her aunt Polly, in a small town after the tragic death of her missionary parents. She is somehow able to bring the love of life to all the people in the town though a view of life she learned from her father. He taught to her through a game called, "The Glad Game" and by the time she must leave them through a tragedy of her own, she has transformed the community with her incredible will to see the good side of even the worst situations and brings about the betterment of all those around her.

I came across a simple version of "The Glad Game" and thought it might be enjoyable this Holiday Season:

"The Glad Game"

Inspired by the classic, Pollyanna, by Eleanor H. Porter.




Simple Solution


"The very name “Pollyanna” has come to mean someone who is eternally upbeat and optimistic, who spreads positivity and good will wherever she goes. Before you decide that such unremittingly cheerful behavior is truly nauseating and deserves a good smack, think of this: people who take time every day to count their blessings are truly happier (and live longer) than those who don’t.



So spread a little good cheer in the New Year with this great game that helps you to focus on the glad, not the bad. Your heart--and everyone who knows you--will be grateful. It only takes a minute.



You can play this game when you’re driving in your car, or taking a walk, or sitting at your computer--pretty much under any circumstances.



Start small: just think of ONE THING that you’re glad for. Maybe it’s the taste of the special coffee that Aunt Ruth from Winnetka sent you for Christmas. Maybe it’s the fact that the holidays are over. Perhaps you have a new love in your life, or an interesting new project to work on. Or you could be glad for your family, or your dog or cat. Really think about whatever it is for a moment. Allow yourself to smile over it. Feel your heart open and glow with gratitude for whatever it is.



That’s it. But tomorrow, try thinking of two things you’re really, truly glad for. Expand the field of your gratitude every day. Really take time to appreciate the many many blessings you enjoy. You’re alive: you have the capacity to be a beneficial and positive presence on the planet. You are needed--or you wouldn’t be here. Enjoy this life that you have been given! And be glad."



I'm already feeling "glad"!

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

[the real "Glad Game"]