Happy 10th Birthday to our special friend…Nicky! We love you Nicky!!!

Over the weekend, the U-10 U.T. Titans took first place at the Sherrard Tourney. They were competing against teams that have playing together for a while.  However, this was the first tourney the Titans have been in since the team was formed early last month.

Head Coach Hal Miller, and his coaching staff (Tom Rice, Chad Schuldt, and Mark Buskirk) did an excellent job with the kids and keeping them focused. Number 14, Payton Miller, had two double plays in the championship game that were, put simply, ‘awesome’! 

Well, it’s official.  I will be leaving for Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri on 14 July for Army’s Special Agent Course.  And, I will graduate on 29 October (Thursday) so mark your calendars!!

I want to thank you all for supporting me in this decision.  Working in federal law enforcement is something I’ve always wanted to do, and without your love and support…this wouldn’t be possible.  It’s going to be difficult to be away from the kids, and all of you…but we will get through it.  It’s temporary…and it’s only 390 miles (6 hour drive) from the Quad Cities.  I will come home when I can…and will expect visits from you all as well. 

Again, thank you for all you do…and continue to do for Hal, the kids, and I.  We truly are appreciative of all your love and support!

Love,

Lindsey

On Saturday, we went with Tony and Heidi to Magic Waters Waterpark in Cherry Valley, Illinois (near Rockford).  And, boy we had a blast! When we got there, we were told they were offering 50% off admission because a few of the attractions were inoperable due to the heavy rains the day before.  At first there were a few people (you know who you are) that were bummed out by this,…but after reminding them that we had just drove 1.5 hours to get there…and that we should probably make the best of what’s available…(trying to keep things positive).  Needless to say, everyone had a blast! (Yep, including myself!)

There was this ride called the Splash Blaster…and we were all pumped about riding it, but Maddie decided at the last minute not to.  So, she and I watched as everyone else weaved in and out of the line…once it was our group’s turn, Maddie decided she’d go…so I ran her over to Hal (line jumping is prohibited) and she rode the ride with Hal…while I sat by myself and watched from the ground.  Afterwards, she was all smiles and said she wanted to go again (this girl is crazy!!).

 Later in the day, they all convinced me to ride the Splash Blaster…I said if Maddie goes, then I’m in! Uh-oh…I rode the ride with Hal…and let me tell you…that was one of the scariest rides I have been on..and I’ve been on some crazy things.  It was a rollercoaster/water ride…with drops up to 35 feet…I seriously don’t know how Maddie did it…I’m still in awe.  My neck is so sore from being jerked around…and my arms are so sore from holding on so tight to the handles on the boat…I seriously felt as though I was going to flip out of that thing…I’ll admit…I was SCARED!

This is the description for the Splash Blaster : Hold onto your suits because the Splash Blaster is a thrill ride that is going to rock you! You’ll board a two person raft at ground level, rise a dizzying 80 ft above Magic Waters, enter a dark tunnel, and then plunge 35 ft over the edge! Before you can catch your breath, you’ll drop another 30 ft, and then be blasted back up by an incredible rush of water. You’ll enter a second tunnel and slowly wait for the grand finale. The Splash Blaster will definitely leave you with a smile on your face.

I was really impressed with the waterpark…it was clean, and there was something for everyone (my favorite was the Lazy River)…we should really try to go back someday.  It really was worth the drive. Here’s the website: http://www.magicwaterswaterpark.com/

WHOEVER’S IDEA THIS WAS: GOOD CALL!

I’d like to send a big “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY” wish to all those wonderful fathers out there…and especially to my dad.  Thanks dad for not only being such a great dad, but an inspiration to all of us.  We look up to you and admire your selflessness, charisma, ambition, humor…I could go on and on.  You’ve been a great leader of this family, and in the community…and with pride, I call you my dad. 

 Happy Father’s Day, Dad!! I love you.

Mom…Hope you have a Happy Birthday!  I know I probably don’t tell you as much as I should (I promise, I will work on that)…I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!  You truly are the best mommy, grandma, and friend…I appreciate you so much.  You’re a wonderful person and I’m so glad you’re my mommy! :)  Happy Birthday, Mommy!

P.S. I love you!

I love this picture! It’s a picture of Uncle Hal giving Levi a much needed haircut.  Levi wasn’t to fond of the idea, but once it was over with…he was cool with it.  And, boy did he look handsome! ;)  Levi and Stevie- I miss you so much! I can’t wait to see both of your smiling faces again.  I just had to post this picture!! I love that little guy soooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!

Happy Birthday to Woody! He turned 10 today…it was 10 years ago today, that 9.4 pound bundle of joy entered our lives.  I remember it so clearly…it was a difficult pregnancy and horrific labor…but well worth it.  That’s MY boy! :) 

By the way, he had a game tonight and won 17-4.  (Payton had an in the park home run!)

I’d like to say “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to my Junebug…Grandma Jacobs.  I love you very much.  You are a sweetheart, and a wonderful grandmother to all.  Hope you have an extra special day!! Love you bunches!

Freedom Is Not Free

by Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He’d stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers’ tears?
How many pilots’ planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?
No, freedom isn’t free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant “Amen,”
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn’t free.

Please take a moment to remember the meaning of Memorial Day! For it is because of their service and sacrifice that we live in a free country.