Memorial Day

Memorial Day is special to me, not only as an American, but also as a daughter.  My Daddy, started his service by joining the Air Force in 1966 and while he retired after more than 20 years of service he continued to work with military minded companies until he retired earlier this year.  From the moment my Father could serve his country he did.  He is patriotism in the flesh. The flag is more than freedom to me, it was a way of life.  I along with several of my eight siblings were born on military bases, in military hospitals, with the help of military doctors.  Some of our first and oldest friendships began as our Mother took the reins as my Dad 'traveled for work', and befriended other military families.  I have yet to be able to sing the National Anthem without tearing up and even sometimes bawling.  

Retired SMSgT Kenneth Cates

"All the great things are simple and many can be expressed in a single word: 

freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope."

Winston Churchill

My Soldier, My Daddy

You chose a road less followed by others; 

sacrificed yourself to protect your brothers.

Gave all you had and trusted the Father, 

Traveled, moved, and fought...to you it didn't matter.

To you it was your path, your destiny, your call;

To insure freedom was secure and liberty would not fall.

My Daddy, My Hero

Jenni Carlisle, Memorial Day 2007

Memorial Day is also a special day as a sister-in-law to an active military serviceman.  My brother-in-law, Corey Carlisle is currently at home, but has served his country in three tours for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Corey Carlisle

Corey and his wife Laryn gave us a priceless gift this Christmas, a flag flown in Iraq while he was on one of his tours with a thank you plaque for supporting the troops.

  

It reads:

To Randall and Jennifer Carlisle

This American flag was flown over the Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq 

during Operation Iraqi Freedom on July 4, 2009.  On behalf of the 

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines we thank you for your continued support.

Please, please, please pray for our active military men and women, as well as, their families.  Thank a soldier when you see them in public. And please remember Freedom isn't free.

CSN Review

So one of the things I have been trying to do in the last several years is save money.  I know, I know so is everybody and their dog.  But really intentionally trying to save money.  It is not, let me repeat NOT easy for me.  I am not what I would consider a high maintenance gal, but I love to shop.  I especially love to bargain shop.  In these last two years of being home I have to practically put into practice the art of saving a buck.  I have nearly mastered the art of grocery shopping, but I'm starting to branch out.  Online shopping has become a bit of a treasure hunt.  Whether I'm on the hunt for TV stands or a Salad Spinner, CSN seems to be the spot for great deals and variety.  I, like most Mommas are busy.  I love the opportunity to shop in the comfort of my own home in jammies.  Why not, be able to do it all in one place too? CSN is one such opportunity to shop from 200 online stores in ONE website.  Definitely is a time saver too.

So, I'm off to shop in the comfort of my jammies and find something I really want, umm need for the Carlisle Casa!  Ciao!

*Full Disclosure: CSN Stores contacted me with this promotional opportunity. I am being compensated for my review concerning my personal experience with CSN Stores.

happy sunday {need to breathe}

i have lived life lately.

like heavy, full, and rich life.

the good, the bad, the reality.

blogging fell so far on the totem pole it was basically not apart of the equation.  so i'm back to conquer the pendulum swing of balance for my life and wanted to share a brief glimpse of the last several days, weeks, months of lurking in blogland and a song that has been my mantra this last week.

i have no concept of time, each week bringing new challenges and victories.  some brilliantly beautiful, some simply painful.  one stretch of weeks brought a death, a marriage, and a death.  all were victories yet pain sprinkled in. victory  came when battles of illness were won with the sweet taste of healing when called home.  and the marriage was magical.  i watched my brother become a man and welcomed a new sister who is precious. watching as my husband wed these amazing people, all the while keeping eyes focused on the true bride, Christ. sin has ravished ones i love.  relationships have been strained, renewed and repaired, all three with some. some not. marriages have been cried over, prayed over, everything poured out on.  children have been held while bathed in tears and prayers. a beautiful perfect baby born. a marriage proposal accepted. a new baby coming in december announced. hospital stays, procedures, healing, and welcoming home. satan has lingered, but God's hand has always been present. i have experienced great pain and great triumph.

i have lived life lately.

Something Beautiful, Need to Breathe

In your ocean, I’m ankle deep

I feel the waves crashin’ on my feet

It’s like I know where I need to be

But I can’t figure out, yeah I can’t figure out

Just how much air I will need to breathe

When your tide rushes over me

There’s only one way to figure out

Will ya let me drown, will ya let me drown

Hey now, this is my desire

Consume me like a fire, ’cause I just want something beautiful

To touch me, I know that I’m in reach

‘Cause I am down on my knees, I’m waiting for something beautiful

Ohhh!Ohhh!

Ohhh Oh, something beautiful

And the water is risin’ quick

And for years I was scared of it

We can’t be sure when it will subside

So I won’t leave your side, no I can’t leave your side

Hey now, this is my desire

Consume me like a fire, ’cause I just want something beautiful

To touch me, I know that I’m in reach

‘Cause I am down on my knees, I’m waiting for something beautiful

Ohhh!Ohhh!

Ohhh Oh, something beautiful

In a daydream, I couldn’t live like this

I wouldn’t stop until I found something beautiful

When I wake up, I know I will have

No, I still won’t have what I need

Hey now, this is my desire

Consume me like a fire, ’cause I just want something beautiful

To touch me, I know that I’m in reach

‘Cause I am down on my knees,

I’m waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

i often ask God why the burdens surrounding me are so heavy for me, my family, friends.  and each time i'm able to comfort others, be comforted and in each situation feel God's love i am reminded...

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14