My Garden Retreat

My Garden Retreat
photo Gridley Graves for Country Living

Happy Memorial Day!

I am one of those individuals who stands with hand on heart when I say the Pledge of Allegiance...
Tears stream down my face when I hear our National Anthem...and I get chills and stand in place when I see our Nation's Flag raised and lowered.


Having grown up as a "military brat" as we were known, and then married to a military man for many years...
I have great respect for those men and women who serve and protect our country.

So...
When my youngest son decided to follow in his dad's and granddads footsteps...
I became an even prouder mom!


This morning, my young man called and told me he made rank...again!
After just 2 1/2 years in the Navy...he made E-5! This is a big accomplishment in such a short span of time!
Once again...the tears fall.

I still can't believe it's been that long since he was at boot camp!





April and Justin




This weekend as we honor those who have given their lives defending us and those who serve us still...
I will be sending up many prayers for these braves souls and there families all around the world who  have stood and still stand at the ready...
So that we can enjoy the freedom they defend!

God Bless the USA!
Go Navy!




Part of our family gathers here this weekend, and Justin will be here in my heart as well...as always.




We were so blessed this past Christmas to have Justin home on leave and here with his brothers, sister and our newest additions...the fiance's!
It was the first time in four years that all of our children were home at the same time. I was quite thrilled !


Tony, Amanda, Tommy, Justin, April and Russell



Our children...now all grown!


Do you have plans for the weekend?
I would love to hear how you plan to spend the holiday weekend!

I pray it's a safe one!
Until next time...Many blessings!



21 comments

  1. Congratulations to your son Donna! What an amazing accomplishment!!

    I too stand with my hand over my heart when the flag passes by and I still get goosebumps too. I hate it that our young people are not being taught that respect. :(

    Have a great weekend!!
    Blessings~

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  2. Congratulations to your son!! My husband is in the USN, also. He is waiting to find out if he has advanced to Master Chief! So we totally understand being proud to be in the Navy! Happy Memorial Day Weekend. And again, congrats!!!

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    1. Good Luck to your husband...I know how hard the waiting can be!
      Have a wonderful weekend
      donna

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  3. It's not easy to make rank in the Navy!
    WELL DONE, Justin!

    THIS POST LIFTED MY PATRIOTIC HEART TO THE SKY, MY FRIEND!

    Tonight, Holland Grace is coming to our home. It will be our first time sitting with her at our house. It's always pizza/party night at our place on Friday nights. We started it back when the kids watched TGIF. I am going to make her the teeniest, tiniest little gourmet pizza.

    We are home alone for the holiday...which is ok.
    We will be going to visit Jay, SOON!
    God Bless America!
    Go Navy!
    ~Lynne
    w/L.

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    1. How fun!
      Enjoy your weekend...I am looking for a fabulous dessert on pinterest...where else!
      hugs
      Donna

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  4. Cheers to that from a fellow navy brat:) I cannot think of a more honorable and noble career than that of the men and women who serve in the navy, to give us our freedoms and liberties that we so enjoy every day without really stopping to think about them.

    Your son is such a nice looking boy..you must be so proud! Congrats to him......let him know he has the utmost respect from many of us here in blogland!

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    1. Thank you so...much Tina for your sweet comment!

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  5. As I am a proud parent of a newly enlisted Sailor I am excited for your joy. congratulations! Our daughter just completed her A School two weeks ago and has been at her duty station for a week, Portsmouth, Virginia. Fourth generation in the family,Third generation girl in the military. But FIRST Navy! Go Navy!

    We have a few small home improvement projects to finish, going on a short day trip to Wiscasett and then eat at the Kraut House German restaurant. Then hope to have a evening around the fire pit with s'mores. If the weather is good we might get a morning kayak trek in. We will see.

    Thank you to all who serve this great country and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

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  6. Thank you for sharing! Sounds like a wonderful weekend plan! Enjoy!

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  7. I want to go to the cemetary for putting out flowers. Donna, I do stand when our flag passes and put my hand over my heart. Enjoy your weekend. Smiles, Susie

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  8. Tell your son thanks for his duty. As a military brat, a veteran, and a wife to an Airmen in Afghanistan - again. I know the cost being in the military has on one self and their family. Thanks to all those families.
    tammy

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  9. God bless your Son and all the military personnel who put their lives on the line each and every day. Saying Thank You for their bravery and sacrifice doesn't seem to be enough.

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  10. Donna- I am just like you and sometimes feel foolish when I am in a crowd of people and start bawling when I hear the National Anthem. The pledge of allegiance always puts a lump in my throat, too. Congratulations and God bless your son- xo Diana

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  11. Aw that is so awesome!! Your son is so handsome and determined~what a combo!! How proud you are and rightfully so Donna~we have the greatest country!

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  12. Hugs & happiness to you and yours on this very special weekend, Donna. You have so much to be proud of!

    I can only dream of getting my three "kids" and their families together in one place at the same time. My eldest daughter is in Boulder, but living a crazy-busy life. My son & DIL live in Japan. My youngest, SIL, and two baby girl granddaughters are in LA. Perhaps someday?

    We don't have any big plans for the weekend. I did purchase some delphinium and lavender yesterday and hope to get them planted. :)

    Have a wonderful weekend!!!
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

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  13. Have fun with your family this weekend and God bless your son.

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  14. Wonderful post and I thank him for serving. Without these noble and courageous individuals we would not enjoy the freedoms and liberties that (sometimes go unnoticed) on the daily basis.
    Enjoy your weekend.

    Leslie

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  15. Congrats to your son, Donna! Thanks so much to him for his duty, work and bravery!! We all appreciate it very much. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend. Cheers, L

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  16. My husband, Guy, says that's excellent getting to E-5 in such a short time. He was an E-5 when he left the service. Congrats and have a great Memorial weekend!
    Les

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  17. Oh I loved seeing the photo all of your darling children Donna. I am so happy to hear about Justin's E-5 ranking. Congratulations to Justin!!!
    Enjoy your time with family during this very special holiday.
    Patriotism is a special quality and I hope we are teaching the new generation coming up how important it is!!!
    I'm sending you much love this morning my sweet friend!

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  18. God bless him & thank him for serving our country! =)

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Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave me a comment!
I love reading them~they truly make my day!
~Donna Reyné