Happy 373rd Birthday National Guard!!

Chairman Marks National Guard’s 373rd Birthday

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2009 – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a message today commemorating 373 years of service by the National Guard.

Here is the text of the chairman’s message:

On the Thirteenth of December each year, we celebrate the creation of one of America’s most enduring institutions – our National Guard. The Guard has a proud history of serving and protecting the American people at home and defending our allies abroad.

Now, more than any time in our history, our National Guard keeps our military, our Nation strong. We would not have been able to maintain over eight years of sustained combat operations without this incredible service and the sacrifices of Guard families and employers who also contribute.

During World War II, National Guard units were among the first in the fight. America’s Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen performed valiantly during the Cold War in far away places from Korea to Europe. Over 20,000 Guardsmen served on active duty in the Vietnam War, and over 75,000 answered the Nation’s call in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Today over 70,000 of you are currently supporting expeditionary operations in locations around the world while still maintaining vigilance and crisis response stateside. Your efforts are making a remarkable difference at a critical time in our country’s history. We could not do it without you.

On behalf of your fellow service members of the Armed Forces, the Joint Chiefs and I thank you and your families and employers for 373 years of courageous sacrifice and service to our Nation. Because of you, the National Guard is Always Ready, and Always There.

Sincerely,

M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY MICKEY MOUSE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SON

22 years ago my day started off pretty much like they all do when you are 7+ months pregnant but boy it sure didn't end that way. I was to have a Tupperware Party that evening & was cleaning up our apartment in preparation when I realized that something was wrong. I immediately called Steve at work to have him come home...then called my OB/GYN. Dr. Gary told me to head for the hospital. As I waited for Steve to get home I called the Tupperware lady & a couple of my friends to let them know there would be no party this evening but would keep them informed.

When Steve arrived we headed out & about half way to the hospital I started feeling labor pains. My Dr was waiting for me as I got there & after a while decided to send me on to Alta Bates in Berkeley. He explained that they would be able to stop the labor & if not at least I would deliver where they had a NICU & I would be in the same hospital as the baby....otherwise if I delivered there the baby would have to go to Children's Hospital in Oakland....not good to be separated. So I was gonna go on an ambulance to Berkeley so they could stop the labor & I sent Steve home to get my bag so I had my things as I would prolly be there awhile. My Dr. assured me that all would be well & not to worry. He had never lied to me before.

What a ride! It was rush hour & the freeway was packed as it usually is here at that time of day. The driver got over to the center divide & hauled a** to get me to the hospital. As I was on my back I couldn't see anything but the nurse had white knuckles so maybe that was a good thing. We arrived at Alta Bates & they couldn't find where I was to go so we stopped on each floor while going up on the elevator. Finally I was where they needed me to be.

I was prepped & the Dr. decided to do an ultrasound. I was told I had a Placental abruption & needed to do a c-section immediately. Tried to call Steve but he wasn't home so called a friend & let her know what was going on so she said she would keep trying to call the Apt. The then took me to delivery & put me to sleep. The next thing I remember is Steve talking to me in recovery....he got to the hospital just before the baby was born....letting me know that baby was ok & that we had a son. "The Communicator" was born at 7:26 pm, was 2 lb., 15.6 oz & 16 inches long. I didn't get to see him until the next day & didn't get him home for 7 weeks.

The rest, as they say, is history.

A few days old....

His 1st Birthday.....5th Birthday....
And I've never hosted another Tupperware Party to this day.

PS....he sent this today....him at 22 years old offically!!

You can leave him some birthday love ....he will be checking here later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE

Today is Steve's 57th Birthday! We went to Pasta Pomodoro for dinner .....one of his favorite places to eat...



And for dessert.....