Saturday, May 24, 2008

Flags of Freedom this Memorial Weekend

Today I went with my friend Lisa and her cub scout group to place flags in front of Veteran's grave markers. As I read each name aloud as the flag was placed for each Veteran I couldn't help but think of my own Father Earl M. Charlesworth and his service to help fight for freedom in WWII, and my Father-in-law Vern E. Hale who fought in the Koren War; and just how fighting in a war surely effected the way they looked at life. They were called upon to sacrifice more than most of us will ever truly understand. My husband Dean served in the Air Force doing real world missions for six years during a peaceful time in history. Unlike our fathers, he never saw the brutal ravages of war up close and personal or have to take an other's life; yet military service had an effect on him and our family. I hurt when I think of what our Fathers saw and dealt with in battle. Yet I know that in no way does that ache compare to theirs or any other who has had to bear that burden. As I stood over looking the flags that wave over the resting place of our American Soldier I stood a humble woman to see how many have served in wars from our small community. Thinking of my own family brought to mind the many families that sacrificed as they watched their loved ones ship out to war and then return different men and women than when they left, as well as those that never returned home. I'm thankful to live under that blanket of freedom that so many have, are, and will continue to fight for that we may all be free.

A special Thank You to all who fight for freedom. Especially you Daddy!

Love, Jan

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

I'm Here

Life is a challenge! I don't belive in fairy tales anymore---I believe in something even more amazing and that is the Love of God and His Son Jesus Christ and the blessings of the Holy Ghost.

I believe that the Lord gave me a Loving Husband to be my partner in this life and eternity. He gave me Dean, a man that is willing to go through life with me and stand by me all my earthly challenges and still he LOVES ME.

Then the Lord Blessed Dean and I with four strong spirited children. Teancum, Alec, Lachoneus, and Ashlyn. Each a wonder and a miracle to us.

While Teancum served his mission in Melbourne Australia we were blessed to host a young adult Australian girl by the name of Jenny, who quickly became affectionatly know as our Jenny Bean and we her American Family.

Following Teancum's return from his mission he dated and married his beautiful Karen on May 31, 2007. Teancum made a wonderful choice for his eternal companion. We are grateful each day for how they bless each other and our family.

So even though life is a challenge I have this wonderful family that keeps on pulling for each other to succeed. I know that many prayers are said in behalf of each other and that to me is better than any fairytale written.