Max, Forever in Peace

OCTOBER 10, 1988 to JULY 12, 2009

On July 12 2009 my Nephew Max took his own life. He is my sister DeAnna's only son. Max was so sad for so long and the ugliness of this world was more then he could take. He was such a sweet kid, always loving, forgiving, non judgmental. He was a kid magnet and everywhere he was he was always surrounded by children. Max loved the outdoors, spending time with his family and many many friends. He helped raise his Nephew and Niece with so much love and care. Our hearts are so broke, we are so sad. But comfort comes in knowing that Max is with Jesus and is now and forever at Peace. Please pray for my sister DeAnna, Max's sister Jamie and all the family. Love those around you as though they won't be here tomorrow.

family bonding weekend!

I was on cloud nine all weekend! It was a wonderful time spent with ALL my children. My son the U.S Marine was able to fly in for the weekend, my oldest son and his lil family was around and we spent the entire weekend hanging out and doing fun things! Friday we went to one of our local canyon's and did some rock climbing. We had to all work together to get us girls and the dog, yes my son's dog buddy was with us. The guys had to pull us girls and the dog up big rocks, use their backs as stepping stones for us, it was a great as we learned to trust each other and work through obstacles together. The canyon was beautiful but not as beautiful as the joy that radiated from each of my children, husband and I. Saturday we hung out at the local park together for the July events. Sunday my boys, husband and I went out shooting our guns, and YES! I came back a better shooter!! We also celebrated my Marine son's 18th birthday at home. It is the 10th and he won't be with us which breaks my heart, but all his grandparents came to the house and we had a good time. I had to drive my boy back to the airport early Monday, I cried for over an hour as I walked away from him. He had such a hard time too with going back, he misses his family and home so much. But know my son is a Marine, fighting to protect each of us as he loves his country. Thank you God for this wonderful time that will be etched in my heart forever!

first week of infantry school for my boy

My son has completed his first week of infantry school with the Marines. He said they got very little sleep, did a lot of night shooting and started to throw some grenades. He said it is hot as they wear their cammies and full gear with an extra 60 lbs. on them. One week down kido, 7 to go!

I still have a hard time believing my son is a Marine, how time flew by so fast. Still at home I go about my day, thinking any moment now he will run through the door, returning from ball practice or out running around with his friends. The door never opens, his bedroom door remains shut, the house empty of the happy energy flow that is always around my Dyl.

I wonder how many of you know, know what my boy and others go through in order to serve our country. The homesickness, the physical and emotional hardship, what the family of those serving go through, the pain of them not present. The fear of war, after all this is what my boy is training for, war. Why, as he told me just last night, "because I love my Country and Family, this is why I am serving". Please always remember them, all them men and women serving our country, remember their families, waiting at home for their missions to be completed.

God Bless my boy, our family and all our Country!

my boy returning to Infantry School with the Marines

Its been a while, sorry. My son graduated from Marine boot camp and came home for 4 weeks, during that time he walked with his High school class in full Marine blues. His Marine graduation was just amazing and very emotional. We are so very proud of him. His High school graduation was a wonderful time and made the fact that our son is leaving home seem real. We all had a wonderful time while he was home on leave, we cherished every moment spent together as a family. Time is so short and goes by so fast, every little moment counts. I thank God for this time, these moments. My son Dylan is now at infantry school, there he will be until July 28th. Then he will be assigned is first post. Please join us in praying for Dylan through infantry school that he is well and exceeds all expectations. Also pray for Austin and Dakota who are there with him. The photos show Dylan in his uniform before we dropped him off, the next photo is of him and me saying our good-byes, see my Shay bug in the back, she was so sad, we both cried all the way back to our hotel. the last photo is of Dyl and the boys walking away with all their gear, some other Marines helped them Carrie it all. It was a sad time to see my Dyl walk away. I miss him so much.

my Son is a U.S. Marine

He did it!!! They did it!!! The crucible is over and at this time they should be enjoying their big warriors breakfast of all you can eat. It is a very large selection of all kinds of breakfast foods and they say most of the new Marines eat till they throw up.

I am sure they are so thrilled, so proud, so excited!!! so excited to see their families next week!!!

My son is a U.S. Marine

when he was little he played for hours

with his little army dudes

guns have always been his most joy

shooting with dad and grandpa Lyle

Grandpa Great his very Hero

Hiking in the mountains

back pack on

full of survival gear

he enlisted on his 17th birthday

he would have it no other way

finished high school 5 months early

off to boot camp Feb. 16

His life forever changed

the day he met his D.I's

away from all he knew

away from those he loves

Homesickness set in

fears he never knew

he has overcome many challenges

grown in skills and knowledge

made new friends he never would of

found a new appreciation

for all his family and home

and today he overcame

the last obstacle that stood in front of his dream

The Crucible , it is finished

he climbed the Reaper to the very top

along with his friends and brothers

in Charlie co. Platoon 1050

he stood atop the Reaper

tears filled his eyes as

he walked down the mountain

the Star Spangle Banner played

the path was lined with all the state flags

of each new Marine there

and at the end in his hand

his D.I gave to him

what he's worked so hard for

the globe, anchor and eagle pendant

and his back was patted as his D.I said

"Job well done Marine"

there my son stood tall and proud

straight face still, but tears in his eyes

he must of clinched that emblem so

as he thought to him self,

"I am a Marine"

OOH-RAH! My son is a U.S. Marine and I am so proud, it has been a hard difficult 3 months filled with such emotion for me, my family and Dyl. And now we soon put an end to this and start a new beginning. One that I would not of chose for my son or me, but one I am so proud of. Please continue to pray for Dylan, Austin and Dakota as they begin their journey as new Marines. Pray for all our service men and women who so unselfishly serve our country for me and you. Thank you for praying Dyl and the boys this far, God works mighty when many pray!

the Crucible down 46 1/2 hours

46 1/2 hours is here, WOW! How do you think Dyl and the boys are feeling at this point? I know they are so so sore, tiered, hungry and so so wishing they were at the top of the Reaper!! The Reaper is the 4 mile hike up a mountain side that is very steep, when they get to the top and ascend down, they are finished! Please pray with me for these last 7 1/2 hours to hold our boys well, that Dylan, Austin, Dakota and all of our boys in Charlie Co. to do great, be strong and courages and safe.

Dylan's very favorite: Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake. yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

I wonder if Dyl has thought of this Psalm during his trials? But I do know this verse must be in his heart as I wrote it on nearly every letter I sent him; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

I am going to have another hard time sleeping tonight even more then the last two nights, because in the morning my boy will be a Marine!

Our Country will have several more young men fighting for us, and they will have 3 of the finest young men there is, DYLAN, AUSTIN and DAKOTA! The flag is flying on our front porch all lit up, the candle is burning to light Dyl's way home (this is a tradition that families put a candle in their window during the crucible for their boy) The boys mom has her flag up and candles going too for Austin and Dakota!