DeLong 4

Here are the kids for Winter 2007. Andrew is now 16 1/2, Logen is 19, Kami is 12teen and Jordan is 11. This will be the last time they are together until next Aug. when we go out to VA to visit my sister, mom and Logen at my sister's house. They have grown so much over the past year and all are doing well. We hope all is well with everyone and thier own families.

WELCOME HOME LOGEN

Logen came home in December after being gone for 2 1/2 months. We were able to go to the airport to greet him with balloons and signs. There were many other people there with signs and balloons, but they were welcoming thier highschool students home from a mission's trip. When Logen started down the concourse towards us I didn't recoganize him at first, then Jerome said "There he is" and as any good mother would do I started cheering and yelling and Woo Hoo-ing. His girlfriend Nikki was able to go with us to welcome him home. He is home for two weeks and then leaves for Dover AFB in Deleware. We were able to help him purchase a car so he will be able to drive out there. It won't be as hard to say goodbye this time. He will be about 2 hours from my sister & brother-in-law and family. He will also be able to use a phone~yipppeee!!!

Logen inspects his new car~ a 2001 Saturn SL

"Have you ever had your blood pressure taken before?"

For my last clinical class of the semester in my nursing program we, the nursing students, held a mini health expo for the rest of the GRCC population. We took manual blood pressures of passing students. It was good to practice our skills. Most hospitals have autmatic b/p machines now, so we may not get another chance to hone this skill in another setting. Besides our expo, it didn't hurt that the culinary dept. was offering free high protien food at a table close by as an inncentive for students to particitpate. Everyone knows how college kids love FREE food and will do most anything for it!

Brian listen's closely

Anne watches her patient

Sarah finds a pulse

Stef and Jim ham it up between clients

Steph and Sharon~fast friends

Sarah, Anne and Lisa~waiting for expo to start

Hunter Boys~2007

I suppose it would be helpful to identify who these Hunter Boys are. They are the Niedzwiecki Brothers: from left to right~ Tadju, Jerome, Carl, Steve, Gene and Gary. Each year they head north for annual pilmagrage and hunt of the big WhiteTail. This year a few had luck shooting one. Each year they get older and the younger generation of Niedzwiecki Boys join the hunt.

Hunter Boys 2007

Here they are, the Hunter Boys of the Kodiak Club.

Hunter Boys 2007

Here's the boys enjoying the feast. Each year during the holy days the crew gets together and enjoys a feast of food, company and good times. This year the feast was on Saturday night. Usually it falls the night before opening day. This is Steve's buck that he shot on Dad's farm. Big Mike and Tadju's Andrew both bagged deer this year.

Pistons VS. Spurs

After I arrived I found out that Logen had purchased tickets to see the San Antonio Spurs vs Detroit Piston. Being from MI it was a really nice surprise to be able to go see them play. It also afforded me more time with Logen that day. Instead of being back at the dorm at 7pm, I got to be with him until 10pm. Buses came to the arena to pick up all the Airmen and take them back. It was a tearful goodbye and lonely walk back to my car. I loved having time with him, talking, walking, eating. It is true that you don't realize what you have until it is gone. A lesson I have learned time and again and with 3 more children at home, it will be the same when it is their time to go.

Logen and fellow Airmen at the game and outside the arena as we waited for the buses to pick them up. I waited until the last possible moment to say goodbye. I think I was the last parent left and walked him to the school bus doors. Reminded me of him getting on the school bus for elementary school. It sure didn't get any easier!!


Logen and I at the game having a good time!

Sea World, San Antonio

Logen and I were able to spend the whole day together Saturday. We spent the morning around the base before heading out to Sea World. The park was offering free tickets for active military servicemen and thier famillies. A major savings for us. We took in the shows, watched the rides and spent more time eating. Logen is unable to walk and eat or walk and talk on the phone so we spent part of the day sitting. A big change from my normal multi-tasking of eating, talking and driving.We had a good time spending it together.

Here is one of Logen's fellow "Brothers in Arms" He and his family were also at Sea World along with many others. Logen was quite humbled by the handshakes and 'thank you's he recieved throughout the day. Many people stopped to say Congrats or Thanks for your Service.