HAPPY 234th BIRTHDAY!!

I would just like to say happy birthday to all of my fellow Marines. To the ones I have served with, thanks for teaching me so much and putting up with me for so long. The Marine Corps is just like a family...a very big family. Once you're in, you're in for life. For 234 years, the Marine Corps has been winning battles and making Marines. It is the biggest tradition that I know of. From Lt. Presley Obannon and his hard chargers fighting pirates in Tripoli to the Leathernecks of today fighting terrorists around the globe. The Marines who fight the "war" on drugs and even the Marines who stand out in the cold and rain to collect toys during the annual Toys For Tots' toy drive for underprivileged kiddoes, the Marines have always carried themselves with pride and dignity and want nothing more than to do their job well. I miss it almost everyday. The camaraderie, the harsh times, the lonely times, the feeling that somehow you're making a difference and the satisfaction in knowing that you are part of the world's most elite fighting force. Let's all pray for our Marines(and other service members) who can't be home to celebrate with us today. Let's pray for their safety, morale and a speedy return home. No matter where Marines are stationed or fighting around the world, on November 10th, Marines ALWAYS find a way to celebrate their birthday. It could be a few jarheads sharing some candy out of a MRE while sitting at an observation post just waiting for a chance to see the enemy or it could be a grand ball in our nation's capital. They/we love our heritage and never forget the men and women who have gone before us. We cannot forget their sacrifices nor their efforts to keep our reputation just as shiny as the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Happy birthday, Marines and Semper Fi!!!!!!!

Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Mark

Mad's Cheer competition!!!

So we went to the Dallas Convention Center for our very first competition cheer - it was C-R-A-Z-Y!!!! Just exactly like what you see in the movies!!! Girls everywhere, practicing their stunts, putting on make-up, curling their hair. You get there early in the morning, and wait, and wait, and wait, for your 2 minute preformance. It's about the cost of going to a football game; tickets to park, tickets to get in, concession stand food (EXPENSIVE), I told Maddie, I want her to be happy, and if she enjoys this, then I'm behind her 100%, but that we may not be able to make all of the cometitions to watch; I would be more than willing to let her ride with someone!!! Anyway, her team got 3rd place, they were all dissapointed and the ride home was mellow...
On the lighter side; Paige & Maddie have been re-connecting, Maddie colored Paige's hair, and they've been playing music, and painting nails, and polishing toenails; lots of laughter in the house (LOVE THAT), and the little girls are thrilled to death to have Paige back- she is such a big help in the mornings; they love for her to do their hair, and pack their lunches, and SO DO I!!! She's also been cooking dinner & keeping the house picked up & the dogs all fed! I could get used to this!!!

Trick or Treat!!!

We had a blast last night; my friend, Susie & her boyfriend, Steve, and their kids, came over & we all loaded up in the back of Steve's truck. Mamu came too!!! Mark sat up front with Steve to keep him company. He drove us through town, and the kids ran from house to house. After they filled up their goody-bags, we all went out to eat at Armadillo Grill. Now the girls are getting ready for church, and I'm wondering how I'm going to get all of the black make-up off of their eyes without getting soap in them!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Last night the little girls had a Halloween party to go to, so they got all dressed up, and I put make-up on them, & they were just SO EXCITED!!! This is the 1st year I didn't make their costumes... & I don't feel guilty ONE BIT!!! Just no time anymore, and they were so cheap to just buy them, and they were happy with what they got... Sofie is a 'Gothic Girl', & V is 'Batgirl'. Madison got to wear her costume to school today, & JiJi on her shoulder was just too perfect!! Too bad she couldn't take her to school too!!

Barnie & Me singing 6th Ave. Heartache

Barnie's our friend that works at the same hospital as I do. He's been coming up and practicing with us for awhile. He is a songwriter too, going to post some of his originals soon!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My debut music video!!!

This is a glimpse of our little gig we had last night- recorded from a little flip video, sound quality not that great, but you can get an idea fo Susie & I singing together!!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Maddie's HOME!!!!

My beautiful, smart, talented, God-fearing daughter finally made the decision to leave her Dad's house...we have had true joint-custody for two years, and Maddie has wanted to live with me, but he always told her, "if you leave here, I will sell all your horses, and you won't rodeo anymore". It's been such a heavy load for her...something a 14-yr-old shouldn't have to deal with. I've gotten so many phone calls and text messages from her over these last two years... crying, and hating being there...I always gave her the choice to come here full-time, I wanted to force her to stay here, but knew she would be so mad with me, for making her..I wanted it to be her decision, I knew when she had enough, she would finally tell him she was done. And that happened last night. She said, "Dad, I can't live with you anymore, I am willing to give up my dream of barrel racing to go live with Mom. I can't deal with the way to talk to me, the way you treat me anymore... I don't feel comfortable in your house." When I picked her up last night, after cheer practice, she said , "Mom, I finally feel at peace, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from me". I cannot explain the joy I am feeling...it's bitter-sweet, of course, because she is giving up her dream...but maybe, he will still let her ride...come over and practice when she needs to...time will tell. So please pray for all of it. I just know what she has been going through, I lived it too, and I'm so happy she didn't wait until she was broken, before making this decision...