hello to everyone- just wanted to say hi and tell everyone that i love them! i am getting very excited for my classes. they start tomarrow! the classes that i am taking are chem, sociology, health, choir, computer apps! i could prob test out of all these classes but no point cuz everything else is full & the classes that i want to take are only offered in the spring! my mailing address is
601 quincy st.
206 finlandia hall
hancock mi 49930
i miss u mom and im excited to come home on thanksgiving to see you! give mike, todd, rach hugs and kisses 4 me! i hope everyone gets off to a good school year! im loving it up here. i have met some awesome people and i like everyone in my hallway. Grandma B i love u and i cant wait to see u. I love u aunt gail and aunt deb, bob, uncle pete, uncle mike! excited to see u all soon! everyone stay safe and i will see u soon!
Love always,
Sara
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
From Michigan
Hello Paul Adam and all:
We have been pretty busy here. The kids are all finally done with school for the year. It is so hard to believe that Todd will be a senior in the fall.
Rachael is still swimming. She loves swimming and boy has it been great exercise for her. She
is becoming a beautiful young lady.
Todd just finished school golf season and had a great season. His team made it to the State Finals which was quite an accomplishment for their young team. Todd had a great season and a great showing at State Finals. He is playing his summer tournaments now and then will get ready for football season. Yes, I will be the nervous mom in the stands after last years episode.
Sara is getting ready to head off the Houghton, Michigan to go to school and Finlandia University. she has decided to finish her schooling there. It is going to be quite an adjustment for me having her away! For those of you that don't know, Houghton is in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. Come October, it gets cold and they get feet of snow at a time.
We just got back from Mackinaw Island. Had a great time. It was a relaxing week and great to spend time with Aunt Deb, Uncle Mike, Aunt Gail, Uncle Pete, Grandma, Frank, Sharon and Karen.
We have had some storms here recently. Actually a tornado touched down about a mile from our home. Paul, at Mt. Hope & Nixon - pretty scary!
We recently had a sleepover with Joey. Had a great time and enjoyed spending time with him. Boy has he grown. We, of course, took him out golfing - what a natural! He is such a great kid and it is soo fun to watch him grown. Miss Harmony is just beautiful and she is growing like crazy. She is also sooo much fun.
Imagine my surprise, reading the paper Monday morning and seeing your picture show up in there. That was quite a surprise and a nice start to my week.
Take care and I love you,
Tanya
We have been pretty busy here. The kids are all finally done with school for the year. It is so hard to believe that Todd will be a senior in the fall.
Rachael is still swimming. She loves swimming and boy has it been great exercise for her. She
is becoming a beautiful young lady.
Todd just finished school golf season and had a great season. His team made it to the State Finals which was quite an accomplishment for their young team. Todd had a great season and a great showing at State Finals. He is playing his summer tournaments now and then will get ready for football season. Yes, I will be the nervous mom in the stands after last years episode.
Sara is getting ready to head off the Houghton, Michigan to go to school and Finlandia University. she has decided to finish her schooling there. It is going to be quite an adjustment for me having her away! For those of you that don't know, Houghton is in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. Come October, it gets cold and they get feet of snow at a time.
We just got back from Mackinaw Island. Had a great time. It was a relaxing week and great to spend time with Aunt Deb, Uncle Mike, Aunt Gail, Uncle Pete, Grandma, Frank, Sharon and Karen.
We have had some storms here recently. Actually a tornado touched down about a mile from our home. Paul, at Mt. Hope & Nixon - pretty scary!
We recently had a sleepover with Joey. Had a great time and enjoyed spending time with him. Boy has he grown. We, of course, took him out golfing - what a natural! He is such a great kid and it is soo fun to watch him grown. Miss Harmony is just beautiful and she is growing like crazy. She is also sooo much fun.
Imagine my surprise, reading the paper Monday morning and seeing your picture show up in there. That was quite a surprise and a nice start to my week.
Take care and I love you,
Tanya
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
From Linnea
Paul - it has been a long time since I have read the blog and am glad to catch up. We had a nice family weekend last weekend - Natalie and Nathan were baptized at their church, then floating around the pool at John and Merry's afterwards. Very nice, although David is still struggling with a sunburn. A 15 yr old just doesn't completely believe you when you push the sunscreen! By the time he put any on, it was too late... Your neice Natalie is changing before our eyes - each time we see her she is up to new tricks! All is well here - we will all be glad to know you are home soon!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
CNN
Hi Everyone,
Paul has been working with CNN lately and they are airing one of the stories tomorrow. I think it is on Headline News Monday May 26th at 7, 9, and 11am. Also there is a link to the video online. It is http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/05/25/meade.operation.story.cnn
He is not actually in the video, but he has been working on it with them. They are still working, but I am not sure what all they will do.
Love to all,
Erin
Paul has been working with CNN lately and they are airing one of the stories tomorrow. I think it is on Headline News Monday May 26th at 7, 9, and 11am. Also there is a link to the video online. It is http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/05/25/meade.operation.story.cnn
He is not actually in the video, but he has been working on it with them. They are still working, but I am not sure what all they will do.
Love to all,
Erin
Saturday, May 3, 2008
I Am Still Here In Iraq
To My Family,
Howdy! Life in Iraq continues on as each day draws closer to the one where I get to come home for good (or until my next trip over here). Things are alright, although the news would have you think otherwise, it is staying pretty calm here and shouldn't be too bad over the summer. I must say though that I have not been keeping up with the blog as much as I did nearly a year ago when it started, but will find the momentum and keep it going to the end.
So, the new job is interesting. I find it to be a bit trivial at times and way to easy for me. It is hard to find things to do each day and there is only so far ahead you can be on paperwork with the way things change around here (someone always wants to change the placement of a comma or the use of an acronym vs. the complete spelling of it). But, I go on each day, staying ahead and ensuring all the personnel side is covered so the Soldiers don't have to worry about it while they are doing their jobs.
Alright, so funny story time. When I got back to Iraq from R&R, not much had changed in my job. But I was informed that I had to get a Yellow Fever Vaccination before the end of April (which we all know I ran to go get a shot as quickly as possible…not!). I eventually got the shot, and four days later, guess what I got? Yeap, I had Yellow Fever…the only one in 6,000 Soldiers that got the shot. It was a pain, and I felt terrible, not to mention it also made me break out into hives. In fact the hives break-out was the first thing that I noticed and was the doctor's first signs to me A) having an allergic reaction to the shot, and B) developing Yellow Fever. So, the punch line is, I went to Iraq (a country not know to have Yellow Fever), was forced to get the shot, and was the only one of 6,000 soldiers to actually get Yellow Fever…from the shot! Ha ha
The weight loss continues. After a little bit of back-sliding during R&R, I am back to the 196lbs area again. Hopefully I can improve down to the 190 or 185lbs threshold before I come home at the end. I have now begun to motivate my room-mate to go to the gym with me so he can get back into shape before we re-deploy to. As Erin has pointed out to me many times, it is ten times easier to go to the gym when you have someone else that is depending on you to be there.
It is starting to get hot here. The last few days have been in the 100's and it just keeps going up. But, I keep drinking water and doing what I need to do to make it.
Alright, I am going to stop now and add some more over the next week. I have more pictures to add and will get back to updating it every week or two. Grandma, thank you so much for the boxes, I love them and appreciate them greatly! Everyone take care of yourselves and each other. Erin, I love you and miss you.
Paul Adam
Howdy! Life in Iraq continues on as each day draws closer to the one where I get to come home for good (or until my next trip over here). Things are alright, although the news would have you think otherwise, it is staying pretty calm here and shouldn't be too bad over the summer. I must say though that I have not been keeping up with the blog as much as I did nearly a year ago when it started, but will find the momentum and keep it going to the end.
So, the new job is interesting. I find it to be a bit trivial at times and way to easy for me. It is hard to find things to do each day and there is only so far ahead you can be on paperwork with the way things change around here (someone always wants to change the placement of a comma or the use of an acronym vs. the complete spelling of it). But, I go on each day, staying ahead and ensuring all the personnel side is covered so the Soldiers don't have to worry about it while they are doing their jobs.
Alright, so funny story time. When I got back to Iraq from R&R, not much had changed in my job. But I was informed that I had to get a Yellow Fever Vaccination before the end of April (which we all know I ran to go get a shot as quickly as possible…not!). I eventually got the shot, and four days later, guess what I got? Yeap, I had Yellow Fever…the only one in 6,000 Soldiers that got the shot. It was a pain, and I felt terrible, not to mention it also made me break out into hives. In fact the hives break-out was the first thing that I noticed and was the doctor's first signs to me A) having an allergic reaction to the shot, and B) developing Yellow Fever. So, the punch line is, I went to Iraq (a country not know to have Yellow Fever), was forced to get the shot, and was the only one of 6,000 soldiers to actually get Yellow Fever…from the shot! Ha ha
The weight loss continues. After a little bit of back-sliding during R&R, I am back to the 196lbs area again. Hopefully I can improve down to the 190 or 185lbs threshold before I come home at the end. I have now begun to motivate my room-mate to go to the gym with me so he can get back into shape before we re-deploy to. As Erin has pointed out to me many times, it is ten times easier to go to the gym when you have someone else that is depending on you to be there.
It is starting to get hot here. The last few days have been in the 100's and it just keeps going up. But, I keep drinking water and doing what I need to do to make it.
Alright, I am going to stop now and add some more over the next week. I have more pictures to add and will get back to updating it every week or two. Grandma, thank you so much for the boxes, I love them and appreciate them greatly! Everyone take care of yourselves and each other. Erin, I love you and miss you.
Paul Adam
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
At last, information
Dear Paul,
Good thing your wife reads blog posts, otherwise your boxes would have waited a long, long time. Sent two boxes the other day to decrease the mess in the family room. No pretzels tho. Had them made but not sealed. Also, have more coffee and will get tea bags soon. Would be nice if you remembered your manners and did the duty calls to relatives. And this is a Grandma complaint. After all, that is what we are for. To keep grandkids in line.
I do occasionally have to keep Mady in line too. She has learned to ride her bike and being something new brings it to visit with her. She insists on riding around our neighborhood. If you recall this area is fairly safe and enclosed but new bikers don't always watch for cars so I have to accompany her (on foot - poor feet) around and around. When she was very small I took her for rides in a very nice wagon and she even remembered where we turned and how far we went. Amazing how some things stick in their memories. She is just busy, busy. But a joy just the same.
Spring is trying hard. We had a low temp last night and I forgot to bring my hanging baskets in but they survived nicely. They are close to the building so I guess there is some heat radiating and keeping them at least somewhat safe. I tell you once the spring air arrives I just get the itch to plant. Not to weed tho. But, have to keep the ground ivy in check. We had such a fine fall last year and such a reasonable winter the ivy weathered well. Had to cut it back yesterday and that is a lousy job. I want it to fill in the area by the fence but it keeps crawling into the yard.
Mr. Mikey has been busy with the grass and it looks great. Can't have a dandelion in the yard or he goes bonkers.
But what a great love he is.
Haven't been to Michigan for a visit for some time. Only seven weeks to Mackinac and that should be great fun. Mike and Tannie are coming with Todd and Rachael. It's a good relaxing time for all and I hope for good weather again this year. The men take their cigars and selves up to the top of the island to watch the sunset and the big boats that go through the straights. That is real special to see. They all ride around the island on their bikes but I just stick to walking. It's especially lovely in the early morning to walk to a point of land and watch the dawn break. It is some sight. If I make it up in time I walk down to see the sun rise.
Oh well, babble, babble. Do send a post now and then. Take care and don't dwell on what is happening to your old job. Just make the best of what you are now doing and use it as a learning experience. (another grandma suggestion) Love and hugs, Grandma B.
0
Good thing your wife reads blog posts, otherwise your boxes would have waited a long, long time. Sent two boxes the other day to decrease the mess in the family room. No pretzels tho. Had them made but not sealed. Also, have more coffee and will get tea bags soon. Would be nice if you remembered your manners and did the duty calls to relatives. And this is a Grandma complaint. After all, that is what we are for. To keep grandkids in line.
I do occasionally have to keep Mady in line too. She has learned to ride her bike and being something new brings it to visit with her. She insists on riding around our neighborhood. If you recall this area is fairly safe and enclosed but new bikers don't always watch for cars so I have to accompany her (on foot - poor feet) around and around. When she was very small I took her for rides in a very nice wagon and she even remembered where we turned and how far we went. Amazing how some things stick in their memories. She is just busy, busy. But a joy just the same.
Spring is trying hard. We had a low temp last night and I forgot to bring my hanging baskets in but they survived nicely. They are close to the building so I guess there is some heat radiating and keeping them at least somewhat safe. I tell you once the spring air arrives I just get the itch to plant. Not to weed tho. But, have to keep the ground ivy in check. We had such a fine fall last year and such a reasonable winter the ivy weathered well. Had to cut it back yesterday and that is a lousy job. I want it to fill in the area by the fence but it keeps crawling into the yard.
Mr. Mikey has been busy with the grass and it looks great. Can't have a dandelion in the yard or he goes bonkers.
But what a great love he is.
Haven't been to Michigan for a visit for some time. Only seven weeks to Mackinac and that should be great fun. Mike and Tannie are coming with Todd and Rachael. It's a good relaxing time for all and I hope for good weather again this year. The men take their cigars and selves up to the top of the island to watch the sunset and the big boats that go through the straights. That is real special to see. They all ride around the island on their bikes but I just stick to walking. It's especially lovely in the early morning to walk to a point of land and watch the dawn break. It is some sight. If I make it up in time I walk down to see the sun rise.
Oh well, babble, babble. Do send a post now and then. Take care and don't dwell on what is happening to your old job. Just make the best of what you are now doing and use it as a learning experience. (another grandma suggestion) Love and hugs, Grandma B.
0
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
From Erin
Hi Everyone,
I'm sorry I haven't put anything on here recently. Things have kind of been crazy and they will continue to be until school gets out.
Paul was home for R&R from March 17th until April 5th. I am sorry if he did not call you while he was home. I kept telling him to call his family, but you know how men are. He made it back safely to Iraq and is getting back into the swing of things there. From what I understand he is busy now that they are getting closer to returning. Awards and other things have to be written which is now what his job consists of.
We had a good time while he was home. We just relaxed the first couple days. Hung out with some friends here, then went to Vegas for a week. We enjoyed ourselves there, but don't think we will ever go back. The shows were a lot of fun, but the gambling part was just not for us. We would either get bored or not want to loose all of our money. When we got back from Vegas again we just took it easy. I had surgery on my wrist on the 1st. They had to remove a Ganglion Cyst. Everything went good, but I was very happy to have Paul home to help me out. The first three days my arm was wrapped from my nuckles of my fingers up to my elbow. There wasn't much I could do!
I have gone back to work after having those 3 weeks off. It has been an adjustment for the students and myself. My second week back we had the state mandated tests, which made for a very long week. We have a lot of things coming up before school gets out. May 1st we have a field trip, May 2nd we have field day, May 6th we have a reading picnic all day. School gets out on the 22nd of May. All of the teachers have to have their room packed up. We will all be moving rooms. Our school is becoming too small for the number of students. They are building a new high school, but only one wing will be finished when school starts. 3rd and 4th grade will be moving into the complete wing of the new high school for one school year. With them out of our building the elementary school will be just K-2 Even with only 3 grades, if we get many new students we will be right back to being full again! They really need to build a new elementary.
As for our plans for when Paul comes home, we have to stick around Fort Sill until October 16th. There is a ball that day. If anyone would like to come to Fort Sill for Paul's homecoming I will let you know as soon as I know when the ceremony will be. All I know right now is it should be sometime the last week of September. They are really pushing for them to be home before October 1st. After the ball, Paul and I would like to take a trip to Greece. Then we will most likely be moving to Virginia for him to go to the Captain's Career Course which will last for about 9 months. As with the Army, this could always change. If Paul happens to get a command here at Fort Sill then we will be staying here, but right now it looks like we will go to school when he gets back.
I know Grandma Brown was asking about Paul's address. It is still the same as before. If you need it again, just send him or me and e-mail and we will put it in there. He doesn't have the government cell phone anymore since switching jobs, so it is harder for him to call now. If you get a call that is restricted, or from area code 703 it might be him.
Ok, I have rambled enough for now! Hope everyone is doing well. I am hanging in there. It has been much harder since R&R. Love to all!
Erin
I'm sorry I haven't put anything on here recently. Things have kind of been crazy and they will continue to be until school gets out.
Paul was home for R&R from March 17th until April 5th. I am sorry if he did not call you while he was home. I kept telling him to call his family, but you know how men are. He made it back safely to Iraq and is getting back into the swing of things there. From what I understand he is busy now that they are getting closer to returning. Awards and other things have to be written which is now what his job consists of.
We had a good time while he was home. We just relaxed the first couple days. Hung out with some friends here, then went to Vegas for a week. We enjoyed ourselves there, but don't think we will ever go back. The shows were a lot of fun, but the gambling part was just not for us. We would either get bored or not want to loose all of our money. When we got back from Vegas again we just took it easy. I had surgery on my wrist on the 1st. They had to remove a Ganglion Cyst. Everything went good, but I was very happy to have Paul home to help me out. The first three days my arm was wrapped from my nuckles of my fingers up to my elbow. There wasn't much I could do!
I have gone back to work after having those 3 weeks off. It has been an adjustment for the students and myself. My second week back we had the state mandated tests, which made for a very long week. We have a lot of things coming up before school gets out. May 1st we have a field trip, May 2nd we have field day, May 6th we have a reading picnic all day. School gets out on the 22nd of May. All of the teachers have to have their room packed up. We will all be moving rooms. Our school is becoming too small for the number of students. They are building a new high school, but only one wing will be finished when school starts. 3rd and 4th grade will be moving into the complete wing of the new high school for one school year. With them out of our building the elementary school will be just K-2 Even with only 3 grades, if we get many new students we will be right back to being full again! They really need to build a new elementary.
As for our plans for when Paul comes home, we have to stick around Fort Sill until October 16th. There is a ball that day. If anyone would like to come to Fort Sill for Paul's homecoming I will let you know as soon as I know when the ceremony will be. All I know right now is it should be sometime the last week of September. They are really pushing for them to be home before October 1st. After the ball, Paul and I would like to take a trip to Greece. Then we will most likely be moving to Virginia for him to go to the Captain's Career Course which will last for about 9 months. As with the Army, this could always change. If Paul happens to get a command here at Fort Sill then we will be staying here, but right now it looks like we will go to school when he gets back.
I know Grandma Brown was asking about Paul's address. It is still the same as before. If you need it again, just send him or me and e-mail and we will put it in there. He doesn't have the government cell phone anymore since switching jobs, so it is harder for him to call now. If you get a call that is restricted, or from area code 703 it might be him.
Ok, I have rambled enough for now! Hope everyone is doing well. I am hanging in there. It has been much harder since R&R. Love to all!
Erin
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