Polls Close in Iraq Elections, No Major Violence

US soldiers of the Alfa troop 5-1 Cavalry secure the area with Iraqi police (background) at the entrance of a polling station in the town of Mandali in Diyala province.

BAGHDAD — Iraq's provincial elections have wrapped up without any reports of serious violence.

Polls closed at 6 p.m. (10 a.m. EST) on Saturday — an hour later than planned — after millions of voters cast ballots for influential regional councils around most of Iraq. There were no reports of major violence.

Iraqi authorities imposed a huge security operation around the country that included traffic bans in major cities and extensive checkpoints and surveillance posts. The U.S. military also was out in force but did not take a direct role in the election security.

Results from the elections are not expected before Tuesday.

Read the entire story here

The Good and the Bad of Our CyberWorld

This will be a two-part Post. I'll work through the negative first, then move quickly on to the positive.

It is my desire to use this medium, to focus on the goodness of people. Primarily my focus is our Soldiers, but I am a Momma...so of course my children are given some blog-space! Several weeks ago, I posted a story regarding a hero by the name of Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik. This 19 year old Soldier from Oklahoma died on December 24 in Iraq. A tragic story. I posted a link for anyone who desired to leave a message to the family. Today, I received an e-mail from a total scumbag who went to the website and apparently is contacting people who signed the guestbook; asking for assistance...you know the routine, "my family is in need of money". Normally, when I receive such an e-mail I immediately notify the Spam Police. This e-mail had this soldier's name in the subject line, so I opened the e-mail. I'm furious. How dare he use this soldier in such a horrid manner. I immediately fired off an e-mail reply, sharing my feelings. He is the lowest of the low, he is whale shit. I want to apologize to any of you who may have signed this guestbook and received this spam. Legacy.com is a good site, one I have visited often. It is nauseating to me, that such cruel people exist. I pray the family of this hero has not been contacted.

OK...I'm done with the negative. Now for the positive. Almost twenty years ago, when my oldest son was a Cub Scout (and I was carrying my baby, John) I met two of the sweetest spirits in the world. We have been good friends ever since. K joined me at an OperationWelcomeHome event a couple weeks ago, and was kind enough to send me the following video. This video captures what it is like for our heroes when they come home! Please pause my PlayList on the right sidebar and enjoy!


May Almighty God Bless each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine!

Some Days All You Can Do Is Wait

Today is one of these days.

I went over the mountain on Tuesday morning, anticipating the arrival of my newest grandgirl. It was a snowy morning and as predicted it turned to sleet later in the day. Marie was relieved when I arrived, everything was now in place. Marie was feeling 'weird', there was a new moon and a storm. The perfect scenario for a baby to be born on her due date. As the afternoon progressed, the 'weird' feeling diminished. Marie called work to see what was going on the OB Floor..turns out all the nurses called out (decided not to go to work) Marie felt she could not leave one nurse on the floor, so my son-in law drove her to work. Before Marie left for work, she commented on how she wished she could be a fly on the wall...witness her mom and her husband hanging out all evening. If I say so myself, I am a good mom-in-law to both of my son-in-laws. I love both of these men, I respect they are my daughter's husband and I respect their homes. It is my desire to always be invited back, so I make certain not to cause trouble...well kinda. (My girls and I can be silly and do goofy things...no malice aforethought, most of the time). I digress... I was able to take a picture of Marie, as she was ready to leave for work. 40 weeks pregnant and she is one of two nurses who shows up. Julie was the other nurse, who needless to say was most concerned she would walk into the nursery and find Marie in labor. Marie assured her since she was already at work, she would deliver her daughter and return to work immediately. Can't leave the floor short-staffed. Well, that was her sense of humor on Tuesday....today, she is now two days past her due date and the world is not as funny. In fact, it truly stinks to be my baby girl today as she waits for her baby girl to arrive. I am home once again, waiting for my telephone to ring, so that I can get over the mountain and be with my daughter; as she meets her daughter for the first time! Marie sees the midwife on Friday morning, hopefully we get some good news! The picture is Marie as she is leaving for work on Tuesday, to me she is absolutely stunning.

Marie is not the only one waiting... John was to take his CDC test, but due to the storm the base was closed. He is not certain when it will be rescheduled. Such a disappointment, he has be preparing for this day for months now...he must wait a bit longer.

I pray for both of my children, as they wait for huge moments in their lives.
May Almighty God bless Marie as she waits full of excitement and anxiety for the birth of her baby.

Wednesday Hero January 28, 2009

This Weeks Post Was Suggested And Written By Cynthia

Sgt James E. Craig
27 years old from Hollywood, South Carolina
1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
January 28, 2008


James, 27, was killed on January 28, 2008, in Mosul, Iraq, along with four other soldiers when the unit encountered an IED, followed by an ambush from a nearby Mosque. It has been a year since James was killed. I miss him each day.

James was on his third deployment to Iraq. There are so many things about James that I admired. He was 'loud' and funny and articulate and sweet - even calling himself 'Sweet Soldier' - and brave and tough. He was a devout Christian and more comfortable with telling people he was than anyone I ever knew - he had a enviable, easy comfort with this faith. It would be so easy to write and write about James, but let me share some portions of his letters - his long and articulate letters.

"...I am very much looking forward to this war being over. However, I fully support everything that is going on over here ever since I saw first hand what the real situation was. Our media doesn't portray the truth of this operation or the necessity to the people here. They need freedom and desperately cry out for someone to help them. ... I know one thing, God wants me here."

"The war here is stating to come to an end. It will be a slow transition period where the responsibility of the battle space is handed over to the growing Iraqi Army. It all depends on the Iraqis if we are able to leave them with it safely."

"...it is a tale of my wonderful journey where I made memories I will never forget and stood up for something that I believe in...that sweet taste of freedom when the day is done and the knowledge that I have done something to ensure the positive future of my loved ones. And, you should know that it comforts me the most that what I do protects wonderful people like you."

To read more about Sgt James Craig, go here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Tuesday Random Thoughts

The greater Poolesville area is enjoying its first snowfall of the season! The county schools are closed in the entire region! We are expecting 4-6 inches of snow, with a lovely layer of sleet to follow. Arrgghh! Truly, the downfall of living in this Mid-Atlantic area is the sleet/ice factor! I am a snow lover! Shoveling is so much fun. I do our long driveway, then get out there and help the neighbors as well! A few years ago, I was sledding and fractured my tailbone. Yep...I broke my butt. Since then, I am terrified of falling on my caboose again. T-E-R-R-I-F-I-E-D! It is a fact that I am a grandmother, but to watch me walk on an icy surface, I instantly become 'Granny'. All of this being said... 'Granny' is packing her bag and driving over the mountain to be with her pregnant daughter. Today is the due date of our Angel! Marie wants to play it safe and have me at her house, just in case this sweet baby decides that a snowstorm is her perfect time for entering the world! It makes sense, since I am the Doula. Perhaps, later this afternoon I will post a 40 week photo of Marie! Please keep my daughter in your prayers, that she has a safe and quick delivery! C'mon, Angel!

The outpouring of prayers for my son, B was overwhelming! I thank each of you for being so very thoughtful and supportive. We are blessed it is a short deployment. Momma just prefers to have her children safely in their homes, on this continent! Please continue to keep B and all of our Service Members who are overseas in your prayers!

John is doing an outstanding job with his blog, AFJoker. Today, he is recognizing several Airman who are opening new chapters in their military careers. Please stop by and add these remarkable heroes to your prayer list!

My 'virtual' SoldierSon, MudPuppy is enjoying some much deserved R&R. If you are need of a morning giggle, stop by and read his blog here. MudPuppy is one of the most creative, down to earth people I have never met! A warning is needed, when I send folks to his blog...if you are easily offended by language, please don't read his words. It is because of him, we have the freedom to blog...so I say, let him write what he wants. I am certain, once you visit Mudpuppy...you will want to read him again and again and again...........

In my quest for new blogs, I have happened upon an amazing young woman who is currently in DEP. Her name is Catie and she is waiting to enter Basic for the United States Army. She is blogging her experience and I do encourage a visit to read her words. It always amazes me when I stop to think of how blessed our nation is to have an all volunteer military!

Well, Granny had better pack her tissues in her sleeve and hot water bottle (what I do with it, I have no idea)...ohhhh and I will make certain to wear the earrings which cause my lobes to drop to my shoulder. Do you have the full mental image? Haven't times changed? This Grandmother has a backpack which contains a Laptop, an MP3 player and mini-speakers so that Marie's I-Pod can play in the Birthing Room! John, be careful, Son...any comments from the peanut gallery and I will remind you that I brought you into this world and...well you know the rest of the story!

May Almighty God bless each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine!

Prayers For My Son

My oldest son, B has deployed.
Please pray for B's safety, and his safe return home!

May Almighty God Bless my son, along with all the sons and daughters who serve our country overseas and stateside.

Cry Out!

A few weeks ago, I removed my Christmas PlayList and decided to add a couple of songs to my existing Blog PlayList. I came across a song titled, "Cry Out to Jesus" performed by the group Third Day. The words touched my heart so deeply, I knew immediately this song had to be added to my group of favorite songs.

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

An amazing, young woman by the name of Lizzie Palmer, created a YouTube Video titled,RememberMe. Last summer this awesome tribute to our troops, marked a huge milestone of 25 million views! Believe it or not, this young lady is only 17 years old!

Lizzie Palmer has once again created an amazing gift for our troops, featuring the song, "Cry Out". Please pause my PlayList on the right sidebar and enjoy this touching video. Keep in mind, a young woman with an especially sweet spirit put together this tribute for men and women she has never met...but obviously Lizzie holds tremendous love and respect for each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine!