Mother's Day

While I was growing up I always knew I wanted to be a mother. Maybe it was because of the fantastic example I had in my own mother. She was always there for me, supporting me and making me feel I could suceed at whatever I wanted to do. I know she often went without things for herself in order to make sure we had what we needed. She gave us her all.. her time, her heart and her love.

She continues to do so even today. I want her to know how much I respect her, admire her and love her. I hope I can be even a portion as good of a mother as she is. I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day!

I also want to thank my three incredible children for giving me the opportunity of becoming a mother. They have taught me so much and I feel blessed to have them in my life. All of them are strong, talented people who have so much to offer the world. I love you: Katie, Bryan and Jared! Because of you Mother's Day is something to celebrate!

Please write our Marine!!

I worked 5 twelve-hour night shifts in a row this week and while I was sleeping on Monday morning I got a text message from Bryan saying they were leaving for Iraq. Of course, I slept through it and missed texting him back.

I worked my last of 5 on Monday night and while I was at work Bryan called home to say he was in Minnesota, then on to Ireland, Kuwait and Iraq. He said to turn off his cell phone and he would see us in 7-9 months. Of course we got all this off the message he left because I was at work and LaVar and Jared were at the store. He started off the message by saying "you guys never answer the phone!" I felt so bad that we missed his last call home for awhile...(more tears followed).

Anyway, we have an address for him now so please write when you have a spare moment. I know the Marines all love letters and packages!

Lcpl Jensen, Bryan
2nd Bn, 23rd Marines
Fox Company 43490
FPO AP 96426-3490

Prayers are also welcome...

Figuring it all out

I couldn't figure out how to get this video in the last post, so I included it here instead. I have no clue how to turn it so you will have to make do. This was taken on the day Bryan left. My apologies to my nephews who are serving in other branches of the Armed Forces. Remember this is from a Marine's perspective...

Our Marine

I have put off entering the blogging world but I guess there is a first time for everything. Yesterday we said goodbye to our Marine, Bryan. He was home for a few days before leaving for his first deployment to Iraq. Needless to say it was a tear-filled goodbye on my part. Moms just tend to have a limitless supply of tears when it comes to their children.

I couldn't be prouder of Bryan and his willingness to serve our country. He is a great Marine and works hard to excel at what he does. The picture at left was taken right after he returned from boot camp. He has been promoted to Lance Corporal since then and is a radio operator in his unit. Apparently that means he carries a lot of gear. He tells me his pack and gear weighs almost as much as he does.

As of right now the plans are for their unit to serve in Iraq for 7 months, followed by a couple of months of active duty back in the states. He will be near the city of Ramadi, Iraq although not right in the city. I am not sure when he will actually arrive in Iraq, probably sometime in early April. If you would like his address let me know and I'll get it to you. I am sure he would appreciate letters from home!

What I would like to know is, where did the time go? Yesterday my Marine looked like this...