Good Bye Old Friend

Last night we said goodbye to a dear old friend of ours. We had come to know and love her even though we were not kin. She was not very old, 9 years old, but had seen a lot in her years. I must confess that it is not what you may think, actually we said goodbye to our 2000 Toyota Camry. Laura's car had almost 206,000 and it was starting to have continuous problems. We could have put more money in the 2000 Camry, but I wanted to make sure Laura and Victoria would not have continuing car troubles while I am gone. So you ask, "What did you buy?" You guessed it, another Camry. This one is a silver 2006 LE with 40,000 miles.

We drove to Austin, about an hour and fifteen minutes, to look at a white 2007 Camry with 24,000 miles. When we got there someone else was looking at it. We couldn't believe we had driven so far and someone else was looking at the car. While they were looking at the white 2007, we perused the lot. We saw a couple of cars that peaked our interest, but most cost too much. The silver 2006 Camry we purchased fit the bill all the way around.

Back story: On the way to the dealer we had asked God to lead us and give us peace about our impending purchase. God answered our prayer. We not only got the deal we had prayed about, but we had the peace of God about the purchase. We were/are praising God.

We look forward to many years, miles and memories with our "new friend."

Sock It To Me

I just got a pay raise today! It is hard to believe that I have been in the Army for 6 months! Time has really flown and it seems like I have been in the Army only a few days, not months! The reason I got a pay raise today is because I was promoted to Captain.

I was thrilled with all the people that were able to attend. Of course, Laura and Victoria were there along with my Squadron Commander and Sergeant Major, all my troop commanders and 1st Sergeants, my Brigade and Division Chaplains and others. We really had a crowd. Laura got to pin on my new rank. Part of the pinning tradition is to put on the new rank and then punch the soldier. Laura did a great job pinning me and then socking it to me, LOL! Several of the people there told her to hit me harder. Laura said she had fun punching me, LOL! I guess that is the only time I have to worry about her hitting me. :-)

God is so good! I love what I do! Thank you for all your prayers. Keep my soldiers in your prayers. Soon we will be going on block leave and before we know it we will be going down range. The young soldiers have many things going on in their lives and can use your prayers as the Lord brings them to your minds.

Here are a few pictures of today's event. Enjoy!
Family and my Commander LTC Costanza.
Laura socking it to me, LOL!
Preaching? No, just a word of thanks!
LTC Costanza, and the family.
LTC Sherer (Division Chaplain) & ???
Me and the family! I am truly blessed!

One other note. It is great to be able to wear my Stetson on Fridays!!