cemetary

this morning at 7;30, doug, luke(our 19month old grandson) & me went to cemetary...the guys were here and set gunnar's headstone...grandpa senska came over, too..just as the guys were getting done, it started to sprinkle, so luke & will have to go out later to plant the peonies....

tree fort

today is the last day that the old ''tree fort'', will stand....i've taken about 50 pictures, of the ugliest, rottenest tree, in the state!...b ut never a broken bone..it used to really make me nervous, that old rotten boxelder tree...i however found the wire ''snare?"lol

today's quote

Man can live for about forty days without food, and about three days without water, about eight minutes without air ... But only for one second without hope.
-Hal Lindsey...................
thanks, Mom, for this reminder!

i hope i hugged you

One of the blessings in my life was you.
I cried with joy at the moment of your birth.
Your first smile was such a sign of love.
I hope I hugged you then.
When you fell down trying your first step,
I hope I hugged you.
Did you say Dada or Mama first?
I hope I hugged you.
As your eyes lit up seeing the first Christmas tree,
I hope I hugged you.
The day you started school and looked so scared,
I hope I hugged you.
When a friend made you feel bad,
I hope I hugged you.
After I had to make you behave,
I hope I hugged you.
When a lot of your requests were denied,
I hope I hugged you.
When you asked things about life,
I hope I hugged you.
When you did something really good or bad,
I hope I hugged you.
Before God took you from me,
I wish I could have hugged you one more time.
By Karen Rae Stublaski In memory of her son, Timothy Earl 7/27/62 ~ 8/16/80

Thank you's & Welcomes

Since Gunnar died, I have been attempting to locate a friend of his...
a kid from northern Minnesota, that had gone to basic training with
Gunnar, at Ft. Knox. by the time I recieved Gunnar's personnal
belongings(inMarch, I think), and found his ''little black book'',& Justins
phone number had been disconnected...there was no address, just
that phone number...anyway, every once in awhile, i'd do a ''search''
for him on the net...NOTHING..i asked the CAO to help me locate this kid
NO LUCK..last week, i stumbled across a new blog....justicesoldier
(good reading)..... http://www.justicesoldier.com/ and there was a link to the Minesota Army National Guard
I filled out their questionaire, and in the comment section i ''begged'' for
someonce assistance..In less than 24hours i recieved a phone call, and an email,from SGT Smith..........to SGT Smith, again, I thank you!, for the contact info for Justin....and for the phone call...the type of conversation I could only have, with someone who is military.
So I sent Justin an email, using the army.mil addy.........
then, along comes Easter Sunday.............
what a mix of emotions,,,,it was our 7th wedding anniversary, and for excitement i was ''sent'' to town, for lumber....so, i detoured, thru walmart, kmart, & shopko...clearance racks provided lotza cool stuff, like snow torpedoes, that you inflate & use like sleds---$3--i bought 'em all---but our joint'' gift'' to mark the day, was trees/bushes...4 of them.....

but the greatest Easter Blessing I have EVER recieved, came over the internet....i cried so hard i couldn't breathe, when i opened outlook, and saw Justin's name...........................................
we have since talked on the phone...and i feel so much better. Justin had known about Gunnar's death
and he, also, has been to Iraq, & back..Welcome home, Justin...and Welcome to our family...
and always remember, there's only one important rule, at my house!!...Never be a STRANGER!

survivor

I haven't been very loyal, to blogging...i remember when i was young, and i thought i would keep a diary, too..I'm trudging thru life, one foot forward..i found this poem, a few days ago....lke the day before Easter..this is a poem that needs to be shared!!i know that i will be using it , more than i want...

My Mom is a Survivor
My mom is a survivor,
or so I've heard it said.
But I can hear her crying
when all others are in bed.
I watch her lay awake at night.
and go to hold her hand.
She doesn't know I'm with her
to help her understand.
But like the sands upon a beach
that never wash away...
I watch over my surviving mom
who thinks of me each day.
She wears a smile for others,
a smile of disguise.
But through Heaven's open door,
I see tears flowing from her eyes.
My mom tries to cope with my death,
to keep my memory alive.
But anyone who knows her
knows it's her way to survive.
As I watch over my surviving mom
through Heaven's open door...
I try to tell her that
Angels protect me forevermore.
I know that doesn't help her,
or ease the burdens she bears.
So if you get a chance,
call to her
And show her that you care.
For no matter what she feels,
my surviving mom has a broken heart
that time won't ever heal.
~K. D'Ormeaux

jelly beans & Easter

Inside of a plastic egg, place a red, green, yellow, orange, black, White, purple and pink jelly bean. Give the egg and this prayer to Anyone and everyone. The Jelly Bean Prayer A bag full of jelly beans Colorful and Sweet It's a prayer - it's a promise It's a loved ones treat. Red is for the blood He gave Green is for the grass He gave Yellow is for the sun so bright Orange is for the edge of night Black is for the sin we made White is for the grace He gave Purple is for the hour of sorrow Pink is for our new tomorrow May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. Gunnar's favorite candy was STARBURST jelly beans....that was he wanted me to send to Iraq, Easter2004. i had no clue, until he called home, wanting to know if the easter bunny had left any candy, that year. so,.......................

more links

http://iraqwarnews.net/2006/03/how-low-can-anti-war-crowd-get.html
http://sablogs.com/index.php?blog=40&title=what_were_they_thinking&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments
http://iraqwarnews.net/2006/04/video-nightmare.html
http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2006/03/how-low-can-anti-war-crowd-get.html
http://iraqwarnews.net/2006/04/letter-from-st-louis.html
http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2006/04/letter-from-st-louis.html
http://sablogs.com/index.php?blog=46&title=st_louis_response&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#commentshttp:
below....something possitive!(& good music, too!)http://www.cliffknizley.com/html/reviews/review8.html

http://www.pfcgunnarbecker.com/

scrapbooking memoes

ok, so there's several of Gunnar's friends, wanting info, to put together,into a scrapbook....here's where they should start....
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=DF&Date=20050126&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=126001&Ref=PH&Profile=1001&Params=Itemnr=2

then, go here..
http://www.1id.army.mil/1id/news/January/Article_53/Article_53.htm
and, here
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=25844&archive=true
try this
http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/htmlinks/Press_Releases/2005/Jan2005/21Jan2005-01.htm


http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail4514.cfm?ID=22,37564

maybe, here....
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=&article=32491&archive=true

think that should get you started....been rough, going back in time, to ''find'' some of these,

WANNA PUKE??

watch this
http://animation.speakfree.net/video/sott/wmv/tgfds.wmv

its called thank god for dead soldiers...
enough said.

Protests

Yesterday was long....see this post...
http://iraqwarnews.net/2006/03/how-low-can-anti-war-crowd-get.html
When Gunnar was young, (that's a dumb saying, he was still 19,when he died), anyway, when he was ''in trouble'', and I'd find out, he always wanted to know, HOW i learned of the incident????My first answer was always "BECAUSE I AM THE MOM!"(i can find out everything!)NOT!!!(All the confessions, after Gunnar died proved that a lie,)! My second response was usually " I HAVE FRIENDS, IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES!!"(including school!)
Yesterday proves i STILL DO have friends, in ''all'' the right places!
I want to extend a sincere thank you, to every one of you, for answering the ''distress'' call......i couldn't imagine life, without you. Your continued support leaves me speechless....love ya all!....

Snow Wonders

http://eontheriver.com/sa/products/productinfo.aspx?partno=1118

How could this not be the most adoreable snow man ever created??
Snow Wonder you love me!!!!
A huge thank you, to creater/owner Sarah Schultz, and her employees, for taking the time to listen, and for your generous gift of love..your acts of kindness will be forever in my heart.

just in case

TOMORROW
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life,
I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

questions

this weeks email...one of those copy & paste deals



. What time did you get up this morning? 6:15 am
2. Diamonds or pearls? neither..rubies, please!!
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Teenage Mutant nija turtles...with 7 kids under the age of 11
4. What is your favorite TV show? antiques roadshow & this old house
5. What did you have for breakfast? COFFEE & toaster strudel(raspberry)
6. What is your middle name? Ann
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Anything chicken(and my husband raises BEEF!)
8. What foods do you dislike? Rice pudding...
9. Your favorite Potato chip? T GIFridays onoin rings
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Dustin Evens
11. What kind of car do you drive? 95 buick(the ''old people's car''!!)
12. Favorite sandwich?radish
13. What characteristics do you despise? those who are drinking & want to play DR PHill
14. Favorite item of clothing? Blue jeans, all the way!!
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? can i send doug & just stay home??...(please?)
16. What color is your bathroom? demoed///basement bath is white & more white
17. Favorite brand of clothing? lawman blue jeans
18. Where would you want to retire to? forestburg(way to much work, to move!,already!!
19. Favorite time of day? sunset
20. Where were you born? redfield, sdak
21. Favorite sport to watch? do i gotta???
22. Who do you least expect to send this back?no clue
23. Person you expect to send it back first? no clue
24. What laundry detergent do you use? tide
25. Coke or Pepsi?diet coke
26. Are you a morning person or night owl? night
27. Do you have any pets? just doug's cows
28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? thanks to very good friends & family, i survived 2005
29. What did you want to be when you were little? nurse
30. Favorite candy bar? brachs orchard fresh///strawberry & chocolate
31. What is your best childhood memory?spending my summers outside!!(so what if it was in the garden??
32. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? waitress, nurse's aide, medication aide, potatoe harvester, tree planting crew(160 acres),daycare provider, packing plant//beef & dakota pork's ham line. pokemon trading card manufacturing @PBM, howard sdak(only place in the WORLD.that made those ''wonderful'' little cards ...we did about 15 languagues,) THE GREENHOUSE LADY as well as the pumpkin lady,THE MOM,and now, GRANDMA!!
33. What color underwear are you wearing? why???
34. Piercing? Ears
35. Eye color? blue
36. Ever been to Africa? No
37. Ever been toilet papering? yes
38. Ever been in love so much it made you cry? yep
39. Been in a car accident? yes==6th grade in a wheel chair
40. Croutons or bacon bits? bacon...i forgot i've raised pigs & bottle lambs for a living, too!
41. Favorite day of the week? whatever day the carpenter shows up
42. Favorite restaurant? a street vender, in germany!
43. Favorite flower? daffodills....explains my tattoo
44. Favorite ice cream?strawberry frozen yogert
45. Disney or Warner brothers? looney tunes
47. What color is your bedroom carpet? presently concrete
48. How many times did you fail your driver's test? 1
50. What store would you choose to max out your credit card?hallmark
51. What do you do most often when you are bored? sneak in a nap!!
52. Bedtime? when i get bored
53. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? all who respond
54. What are you listening to right now? classic rock radio
56. Lake, Ocean or river? james river
57.Holiday closest to your birthday?4th july
58. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? doesn't effect my life on a daily basis,/// until you try to fry an egg that's got a chick in it(sorry, guys, i had to do it!!
59.How many people are you sending this to? don't know...haven't done that part, yet
60. Time finished? 1;10 am.....taking a break from preping floor for expoxy paint

Memories

It seems like Gunnars entire life(as parents), we were constantly bitching at him, to take care of his property. He worked his ass off, in the melon patches...Get paid, sometimes(most of the time) on a daily basis, and be broke, again, the next day..One year Lee slowed him down enough, to buy him a shotgun, for part of his labor."You'll have something to show, for your work, for the rest of your life...."echoed through the garage, for an entire summer. Trust me, this is (was) a nice gun. A few years later, Gunnar went to basic training, @ Ft. Knox. About 6 weeks afterhe left, we found the shotgun. It wasn't until after Gunnar died, when Doug looked closely, at this shotgun, that we discovered how badly it had been used/abused...and then, Gunnar's sister, Jo, offered up a confession, about a 4wheeler ride, on gravel, spotlighting,the speed of the 4wheeler, a bump on the gravel road, an accidental discharge,(missed her by inches), and the shotgun sliding down the gravel road.....we have had it professional cleaned, and fixed as much as necessary, to prevent rusting.Someday, when Jo gives the shotgun, to her son, she can tell the story of the scratches..they'll always be there............young, and carefree...or reckless...dunno.....

Pheasant Opener

In less than one hour,there'll be lotza happy men, wearing ORANGE,& toteing shotguns, in the state of S.Dak..In the last 2 days, traffic has multiplied by 4....
Last night I "met up" with a few of the hunters that come back from Minnesota, every year..it's been 2 years, since I've seen these guys, and it's the first time we've seen each other, since Gunnar's death. I know how hard it is, this ''first time'' situation, and I want to thank you, all, for taking time, to share your memories. I appreciate the quiet, private conversations, laughter & tears, and I know, Gunnar held a special place, in your hearts, too. You watched him grow up.....remember the orange hair eppisode?? and yes, the$4oo car with $1000 stereo?and the thump, thump music we could hear, 1/4mile away?!
As the old saying goes, "Meet ya @ the clubhouse!"

Thought 4 Today

The nice part about living in a small town is that when I don't know what I'm doing, SOMEONE else surely does!!

Found a little plaque with the above quote.....it hangs, in the entryway, right under the sign that says...
NO WHINING!!

Marine Comfort Quilts

The 13th day, of every month always starts with the reminder that another month has gone by,since Gunnar died....and the big question...WHAT WILL HAPPEN, TODAY?? Well, 13Sept. was no exception...

A very special thank you, to the members of the Marine Comfort Quilt organization, for their time, energy, & devotion...I'm speechless...and again, I thank you!

9-11-2005

On Sunday, Sept.11,2005, in Mitchell, S.Dak. A ceremony was held, in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorism attacks. Also honored were the South Dakotans, who've lost their lives,(since 9/11/2001) while defending America's Freedom .
The ceremony was held (South Dakota style) outdoors, sun shining(95 degrees)along with our famous wind(35mph, out of the South).
A Forestburg native, LaMoine Torgerson, was MC....(thanks!, LaMoine)
U.S.Sen. John Thune,R-SD was guest speaker, and his presentation was awesome.
Col.Tim Reisch gave a brief speech, as well as the Presentation of the Flags.
The 147th Army Band provided music before and durring the service.
And to the men & women, of the 665 Maintenance Company, the Folding of the Flag Ceremony was spectacular, and flawless, from where I sat.
Pastor George Sinkie...thank you...
To the Exchange Club of Mitchell...the Healing Field is truely a breathe taking sight, every time I see it. Thank you seems inadequate...
To the American Legion & Legion Auxillary.....I appreciate your dedication!~

just a picture

This is one of the most breathe taking sights I've seen.
The Healing Field
North Sanborn
Mitchell, S.Dak.


P.S. move over, Corn Palace!!