Warmth
By Tracye WM Prewitt

Warm and Inviting
That is what you are
Familiar yet new all in one
Finally I’m home
The world melts away
And nothing matters
Nothing at all
But the flickering fire
Your arms around me
And the warmth of love
And this moment spent
With you in the firelight

I know we have been doing a lot of rejoicing of late but let us NEVER forget that some of the 155th didn't come home....

A Soldiers Tears
By Tracye Wynne Malone Prewitt

Tears silently fall leaving dusty trails down a sandy face
Tears that show the cost of war
Lost innocence
Lost youth
Lost friendships
Lives interrupted; loved ones left behind
The silent tears of a soldier are the medals of which no one speaks

So with his back to the door and his face in the pillow the strong, brave soldier sobs
He isn’t supposed to cry…
But in war, as in life, tears are silent allies; they share our
Fears
Sadness
Loneliness
Homesickness and loss
The silent tears of a soldier are the medals of which no one speaks.

He walks to the chapel with shoulders square and his head held high
He is there to say goodbye…
In a flash of fire and a wall of dust, the IED took his comrade and friend…
As he turns to face the
Helmet,
Gun,
And
Pair of boots
He drops to his knee with his head in his hands
His shoulders shake as his heart breaks
Tears stream down and drop into the sand…..
The silent tears of a soldier are the medals of which no one speaks.
**************************************************************
LET US NEVER FORGET THE FALLEN SOLDIER.... IT IS HE WHOM WE OWE OUR FREEDOM TO.... IT IS HE WHO HAS MADE AMERICA AND KEPT HER.... THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.....

SPC Daniel Varnado
SPC Bryan Barron
SGT Drew Rahaim
SGT Timothy Osbey
SGT Shane Pugh
SPC Robert McNail
CPL Audrey Lunsford
SSG Saburant "Sabot" Parker
CPT Tom Miller
Major Greg Fester
LT Robert Oneto Sikorski
SGT Sean Cooley
SCT Larry Arnold Sr.
SSG Travis Cooper
SPC Terrance Lee
SSG Tommy Little
SGT Greg Tull

I know there are more but I could not come up with the names. If you would like them added just place their names in my comments... God bless our fallen heroes and their families!

Happy 22nd New Year Together Nate!!!!!!

"You're My Better Half"
As sung by Keith Urban

Car door slams, it's been a long day at work
I'm out on the freeway and I'm wondering if it's all worth
The price that I pay, sometimes it doesn't seem fair
I pull into the drive and you're standing there
And you look at me
And give me that come-here-baby smile
It's all gonna be alright
You take my hand
You pull me close and you hold me tight
[Chorus:]
It's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe we can make it through anything'
Cause when it all comes down
And I'm feeling like I'll never last
I just lean on you 'cause baby
You're my better half
They say behind every man is a good woman
But I think that's a lie
'Cause when it comes to you I'd rather have you by my side
You don't know how much I count you to help me
When I've given everything I got and I just feel like giving in
And you look at me
And give me that come-here-baby smile
It's all gonna be alright
You take my hand
Yeah you pull me close and you hold me tight
[REPEAT CHORUS]
Well, you take my hand
Yeah you pull me close and I understand
It's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe that we can make it through anything
Oh baby, it's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe we can make it through anything
'Cause when it all comes down
And I'm feeling like I'll never last
I just lean on you 'cause baby
You're my better half
Oh, oh baby you're my better half
Ooh, hey baby you're my better half

Thanks for getting me through the holidays! I love you so much.... "you complete me!" Thank you for all your love and support for the last 22 years (20 married years)! You ARE my better half!

Mississippi Believe It

This is a great site please visit it when you get a chance .....

http://www.mississippibelieveit.com/

Mississippi is the home of the BRAVE!!!!!!

We welcome home the brave soldiers of all the units of the 155th ....

We are proud of you ALL!!

Thanks for your service!

THEY ARE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Home 155th CEB!!!!!!!

Homeward bound,
I wish I was,
Homeward bound,
Home where my thought's escaping,
Home where my music's playing,
Home where my love lies waiting
Silently for me.

words to homeward bound by Paul Simon

Charlie Brown Christmas After 40 Years It Is Still The Best!

Charlie Brown: (shouting in desperation) Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. (A spotlight shines on Linus.) "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown.

Merry Christmas ..... Prewitt Family News 2005

In The Name Of LOVE…. He Came!
Christmas 2005

It is the time of year in which we send greetings and salutations to those we love! We also share with you a little about our year. We hope this letter finds you all doing well.

So on with the news: This year we went to St Augustine Florida for spring break and we did not see any ghosts on our ghost tour. The boys attended several camps this summer; they went to soccer camp at UAB, Camp Lake Stephens, Cub Scout Day Camp, and Can’t Stop Singing Camp (was that all???). We also visited Aunt Anne on the MS gulf coast and Aunt Cooter in Amory. We also made our annual pilgrimage back to Okaloosa County to visit friends. The highlight of that trip was a day at Big Kahuna Water Park. We have celebrated beginnings and endings this summer. The beginnings included two weddings and at least three births. The ending was saying good bye to our beloved dog; Dudy Noble Polk passed away in June. He was 16 years and 4 days old. He had been sick for months and passed away while in the loving care of Dr. Tony Loper and the staff of Vicksburg Animal Hospital. We also lost several other loved ones of the not so furry variety as well. But we must remember in Christ there are no good byes; in Christ there is no end.

Jay is twelve can you believe it and Josh is ten. Jay is in the sixth grade and Josh is in the fifth and both are back at Beechwood Elementary this year. Josh is still playing violin and is participating in a youth orchestra here in Vicksburg. Jay earned his Arrow of Light this year (the highest honor in Cub Scouts) and bridged over to Troop 638. Both boys are still playing soccer with VSO and thankfully they are both back on the same team this year.

We learned some valuable lessons from Hurricane Katrina this summer. We learned that you can survive a week without electricity and in doing so you see a lot that you normally wouldn’t see… like the raccoons eating wild grapes in the trees behind the house… The boys also learned that helping others can be fun as well as rewarding work. Their BSA Troop volunteered at the Red Cross Shelter here in Vicksburg and had a ball playing with the children and pets displaced by this horrific storm.

Nathan started his 5th year at MSU/ERDC. He is still enjoying working with the guys. But we are all relieved that all this traveling as lessened somewhat this year. It is nice to have him home more! He is still taking violin with Josh. Tracye just started her 2nd year at Dana Road Elementary (yes I know what I said last year). She is considering going back to college (online); she’s found the program and the school and even filled out the application but now she just needs to find the courage to … go for it! We just got a new car now we both are Honda owners (Element and 06 Civic Coupe). We are still looking at houses but we can not find one that meets all of our requirements. We think we have found a new church family as well… we have started attending Porter’s Chapel UMC and have made fast friends with Rev Raggy and his family. Nate and I had a fun “date” when we went to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra in Jackson. What an AWESOME; AWESOME concert! If you ever get the chance to see TSO … GO! You won’t regret it! Well when I wrote you last year we were looking our nephew’s deployment in the face this year we are almost to the end of it …. The 150th should be home soon!

So as you see we have had a busy year again this year. We are doing fine and life is good. The boys are growing into young men and you all would be proud of them… they are our pride and joy!!!! We wish you peace, joy, and love in the New Year… Come to see us when you can; if you can’t; drop us a line, pick up the phone, or send us an email! We would love to see you or hear from you! Take care of yourselves and one another! We love you all and think of you often!

Merry Merry & Happy Happy, Tracye, Nathan, Jay and Josh

Love Has Come As Sung By Amy Grant

Hurry now wake up your eyes,
Time for little ones to see.
Daddy’s got a big surprise
Hiding there beneath the christmas tree.
How they are like the child in me!
See the wonder in their eyes,
Like a fairytale come true.
One more time I realize
All the love our lives found in you.
Love has come
For the world to know,
As the wisemen knewSuch a long time ago.
And I believe that angels sang
That hope had begun,
When the God of glory,
Who is full of mercy,
Sent his son.
If I could have a special dream
Coming true on christmas morn’,
I would want the world to see
How his father smiled when christ was born.
The greatest gift the world has known!
So come on kids, look high and low
For all the toys you’ve dreamed to find,
But I believe you’ll never know
A greater joy than jesus’ love inside.
(you gotta know!)(know!)
Love has come
For the world to know,
As the wisemen knew
Such a long time ago.
And I believe that angels sang
That hope had begun,
When the God of glory,
Who is full of mercy,
Yes, the God of glory,
Sent his son.
(don’t you know that)
Love has come
For the world to know,
(know)
As the wisemen knew
Such a long time ago.
And I believe that angels sang
That hope had begun,
When the God of glory,
Who is full of mercy,
Yes, the God of glory,
Sent his son.
Love has come
For the world to know,
As the wisemen knewSuch a long time ago.
And I believe that angels sang
That hope had begun,
When the God of glory,
Who is full of mercy,
Yes, the God of glory,
Sent his son.(don’t you know)
Love has come
For the world to know,
As the wisemen knew
Such a long time ago.
And I believe that angels sang
That hope had begun,
When the God of glory,
Who is full of mercy,
Yes, the God of glory,
Sent his son.(I can see that)
Love has come
For the world to know,
As the wisemen knew
Such a long time ago.

Send A Greeting To A Soldier This Holiday

A timely reminder from Some Soldier’s Mom, the blogger mother of an injured soldier, encouraging us to include wounded warriors in our Christmas card lists. It's still not too late to zip off a few words of encouragement!Here's the address...


A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001


Let us share the joy of the holiday season with a soldier who sacrificed so much for liberty!
Send a card, jot a line or two and tell them how much they are prayed for, thought of, and appreciated! Heck send them a little goodie bag if you like! This is the season to share love .... so go out there and share love with a soldier!

Thanks To Pam Fryer For Sharing This Email !!!!!!!

Just thought this was a wonderful reminder of what's truly important this Christmas season.
FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 CHRISTMAS VERSION (paraphrased)
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, But do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, Preparing gourmet meals And arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, But do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home And give all that I have to charity, But do not show love to my family, It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, Attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, But do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and tablelinens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust...
But giving the gift of love will endure.
You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

From the film Meet Me In St. Louis
Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane 1943

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
gather near to us once more.
Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

I Believe!!!!!!!

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9. (Originally published in The New York Sun in 1897.)
We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor—
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon

Virginia,
Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Because Of You... by Kelly Clarkston And Shattered Again and Shattered by Tracye Prewitt

I will not make the same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself cause my heart so much misery
I will not break the way you did
You fell so hard
I've learned the hard way, to never let it get that far
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid
I lose my way
And it's not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake, a smile, a laugh
Every day of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid
I watched you die
I heard you cry
Every night in your sleep
I was so young
You should have known better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else
You just saw your pain
And now I cry
In the middle of the night
For the same damn thing
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I tried my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don't know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty
Because of you
I am afraid
Because of you
Because of you

ever get a dish of self doubt and guilt served to you.... by well meaning "I' m only telling you this for your own good" family! I get it alot mostly around the holidays .... had mine served up fresh and steaming warm today after my youngest son's recital (a day that should have been all smiles and button busting pride, for him, turned into a crushing one of "well.... yadda yadda yadda").... I should be used to it by now; but it still crushes me that no matter what I do .... it just never seems to be enough or good enough.... It just seems that well ..... I just am not good enough ... But after 40 years. I should know that I will never be the famous, rich, brainsurgeon, professional basketball star, who came up with a cure for cancer and the common cold, and have my own show on CNN, son they wanted. I just assume that I just won't ever quite measure up to the prebirth ideals they carved out in stone for me... I know one thing if I had known what they expected of me before I was born I probably wouldn't have come out of the womb. So I should be used to the little talks by now but ya know.... it always seems to catch me off guard and it is like being slapped in the face on a really cold day... it stings and hurts... But supposedly it is done only because they love me so much and I should appreciate it and understand and STUFF! Well I don't understand and I don't appreciate it at all ... If I could have just one Christmas wish I mean all I really want for Christmas is peace... not on Earth but in Lexington and Kosciusko when I am with the people I love the most (who supposedly love me) who seem to have a problem with who I became! That is all just one Christmas filled with JOY and LOVE .... like the ones I remember when I was little .... like the ones shared on Nannie's hill when I was too trusting and niave to understand what was really going on around me! I wish I could be accepted for who I am; cellulite and all.... Thank God for my boys all three (Jay, Josh, Nathan) of them... I think they love me for me (or at least the person I strive to be).... They keep me sane.They are the only reasons I still believe in the magic of love and Christmas... All I ask of my bloggers is please accept your children for who they are not what you envisioned them to be; love their loves; they might not be who you would have chosen for them but ya know they are who they chose and if you raised them right they are probably a good judge of character; respect their lives and the decisions they make ... if they make mistakes more than likely they will correct or at least learn from them .... belittling them will not help and in the end probably cause a boat load of stress, apprehention, self doubt and sometimes self loathing.. all very distructive attributes you should not wish on your worst enemy much less your child ... so please guide your child when they are young in the way they should go but if they depart from the path please don't make the detour painful, hurtful, and destructive..... Thanks for letting me vent... we will go back to our regularly scheduled Christmas programing now!

Shattered Again
A Poem
By Tracye Prewitt / 2005

Christmas time is here again
Time for family and friends?????
A time of joy and lights aglow
But into our home for what seems an eternity
Christmas woe comes wandering!
Someone has not lived up to expectations
So down come the Christmas declarations….
The gifts under our tree do not quite measure up you see…
The dinner took too much work for all of us ungrateful jerks…
The tears and accusations fly like snowflakes in a winter sky.
Some cheated, someone lied, someone didn’t at “her” feet abide.
Funny but everywhere else in the nation people hurry home with adulation and exhilaration…
I only feel stress, dread, and abhoration
For the storm I know is brewing….
All year “her” anger and resentment has been stewing….
I wish I was again about three … and still lost in the wonder of our tree
I didn’t know all the bother… all the trouble and tears behind the wonder
Santa and Nannie loved me then
And I was not the villain…
But when we grow up things change…. No matter how we hate it they… CHANGE…
So it’s off to home I go and await the annual trashing I dread so!
It will leave me shattered and broken
Like a Christmas ornament broken
Christmas wonder, Christmas magic… lost forever????
But at least we’ll be TOGETHER!!!!!


Shattered
A Poem
By Tracye Prewitt 1980

Shattered hope is reflected in a broken Christmas ball
Hope is in all Christmas things, ornaments that sparkle and bells that ring
Once these are gone… hope will go.
Once these are lost… hope is lost.
Sparkle and shine; hope and courage…
Shattered and crushed; lost hope and false courage.
Shattered Christmas ball; shattered hope
Oh! shattered hope reflected in that shattered ball.
Shattered hope is reflected in a broken Christmas ball.

Christmas From A Mother's Perspective....

Breath Of Heaven
As sung by Amy Grant

I have traveled many moonless nights,
Cold and weary with a babe inside,
And I wonder what I’ve done.
Holy father you have come,
And chosen me now to carry your son.
I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now.
Be with me now.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven.
Do you wonder as you watch my face,
If a wiser one should have had my place,
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong.
Help me be.
Help me.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness,
Pour over me your holiness,
For you are holy.
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven.

Mary Did You Know
(buddy greene, mark lowry)

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
You’ve kissed the face of God
Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the great I am

I just couldn't imagine giving birth in a stable without a doctor without drugs/epidural's are the miracle drug... I couldn't imagine holding my son and knowing one day he would die.... to save us all (and I wonder if she knew how and when he would die... how do you deal with that inneviatiblity (sp)).... I can not image the awesome realization she had knowing that she was not only holding her son but the SAVIOR of the world.... what an awesome burden Mary had.... She is a women above all women .... she carried our salvation for nine months.... and then delivered him in a barn behind an inn .... she watched as angels sang, shepherd and kings worshipped ... she must have been so proud of her son, God's son, and yet she had to be a little sad as she thought of his sacrifice... She had to be in awe that God had choosen her and humbled as well.... Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee! Thank you for your service to salvation... thank you for carrying, nurturing, our Savior.... thank you for doing God's will over the will of the world.... thank you for the manger!

The REAL Reason For The Season!!!!!!

One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village, the son of a simple peasant woman.
He grew up in another small town, and worked with his father in a carpenter shop until he was thirty.
And then for three years, he was what we might call a traveling preacher.
He never wrote a book; he never held political office.
The places he did go, he usually walked.
He never did any of the things that one normally associates with greatness.
He had no credentials but himself.
When he was only thirty-three years old, the tide of public opinion turned against him.
Some of his friends deserted him; one denied him; one even betrayed him and turned him over to his enemies.
He went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his only possession, his robe... his purple robe.
When he was dead, he was taken from the cross and laid in a borrowed grave, provided through the compassion of a friend.
Almost twenty wide centuries have since come and gone, and today this man is the centerpiece of the human race; the leader in the column of mankind's progress.
I think that I am well within the mark when I say ... that all the armies that ever marched; all the navies that ever sailed the Seven Seas; all the legislative bodies that ever met; all the kings and rulers that have ever reigned, all put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that ....
ONE SOLITARY LIFE!!!!!!

A Christmas Funny For Ya!

I just love Calvin and Hobbes!

Let Freedom Ring!!!!!

Iraqi people are finally able to decide their own fate without fear!!!!

Thank you to our troops for bringing freedom, liberty, and justice to a country in desperate need of them!

Let freedom ring from the mountain tops to the desserts... Let freedom ring!

My Grown Up Christmas List As Sung By Amy Grant

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee; I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies.
Well, I'm all grown-up now,
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child, But my heart still can dream.
So here's my lifelong wish,
My grown-up christmas list.
Not for myself,
But for a world in need.
No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up christmas list.
As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree.
Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul.
No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up christmas list.
What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth.
No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end,
oh.
This is my grown-up christmas list.
oh
This is my only christmas wish .
This is my grown-up christmas list.

May your holidays always be Merry and Bright!!!

and may your New Year be filled with love, laughter, and faith!

For all of those who are hurting this holiday season; may you find the peace of Christ not only for the holidays but for everyday! And always remember you are loved far more than you could ever know or dream of ... God loves you and that is all that matters!

For God so loved YOU that he sent his only son to die for you! Christ loved YOU so much he came down from the glory of heaven to lie in a manger and die on a tree to give you the gift of eternity.... GOD LOVES YOU! What a wonderful gift.... unconditional; eternal love !

Heirlooms as sung by Amy Grant

Up in the attic,
Down on my knees.
Lifetimes of boxes,
Timeless to me.
Letters and photographs,
Yellowed with years,
Some bringing laughter,
Some bringing tears.
Time never changes,
The memories, the faces
Of loved ones, who bring to me,
All that I come from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I’m going to be.
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me.
Wisemen and shepherds,
Down on their knees,
Bringing their treasures
To lay at his feet.
Who was this wonder,
Baby yet king? Living and dying;
He gave life to me.
Time never changes,
The memory, the moment
His love first pierced through me,
Telling all that I came from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I’m going to be.
My precious savior
Is more than an heirloom to me.
My precious Jesus
Is more than an heirloom to me.

HELP The Grinch Stole Christmas.....

Community Reaches Out To Help Make-A Wish
Andrea Molloy
POSTED: 5:14 pm CST December 12, 2005
UPDATED: 5:43 pm CST December 13, 2005


JACKSON, Miss. -- Calls have poured in to the Make-A-Wish Foundation office in Ridgeland.
On Monday, 16 WAPT issued a call to viewers to make help the organization recover nearly $2,000 in toys and gift cards that were stolen by a robber.
Police have been working with the group to obtain surveillance video so they can find the thief.
Police are still searching for a thief who stole Christmas presents from some terminally ill children.
Investigators said someone broke down the door to the Make-A-Wish Foundation charity, which grants wishes for children with terminal illness.
Police said a burglar broke into the charity late Saturday night and loaded up on nearly $2,000 in donated toys.
The offices were ransacked and more than 100 items were stolen including gift cards.
Some of the toys were also supposed to go to the “Toys for Tots” and “Angel Tree Network.” But now the cabinets are empty with just a few small gifts left on the shelves.
“It's not just the items they took, but the time it will take to clean up and the security that we feel in this office that they've also taken away,” said T.J. McSparrin of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Police are dusting several items that were left behind in the office for fingerprints and trying to make a match with people already in the system.
They are also trying to figure out how the charity was picked for a break-in since they don’t keep cash and the office is off the beaten path.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is trying to replace some of the stolen toys. If you would like to help you can call them at (601) 898-8538 or 1-800-819-4072.

And We Are Never Broken.... Ways You Can Help Law Enforcement Affected By Katrina ..... In The End ONLY KINDNESS MATTERS!!!!!!!

Please help out these peace officers who put their lives on the line to save others! They have lost everything... and yet they put themselves last to protect and serve their community. Thank you for supporting our states thin blue line!

Adopt A Cop: Call the Hinds County Sheriffs Dept at; 601-974-2901

Back Up the Badge: Contact the MS Highway Patrol Charity at;
www.backupthebadge.org

"Hands (Christmas Version)"

By Jewel

in the end only kindness matters in the end ah mmmmmmmmm ah
if i could tell the world just one thing it would be that we're all okay and not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful and useless in times like these
i won't be made useless i won't be idle with despair
i'll gather myself around my faith for light does the darkness most fear
my hands are small, i know but they're not yours, they are my own but they're not yours, they are my own and i am never broken
poverty stole your golden shoes it didn't steal your laughter and heartache came to visit me but i knew it wasn't ever after we will fight not out of spite for someone must stand up for what's right
'cause where there's a man who has no voice there ours shall go singing
my hands are small, i know but they're not yours, they are my own but they're not yours, they are my own i am never broken
('cuz) in the end only kindness matters in the end only kindness matters i will get down on my knees, and i will pray i will get down on my knees, and i will pray i will get down on my knees, and i will pray
my hands are small, i know but they're not yours, they are my own but they're not yours, they are my own
my hands are small, i know but they're not yours, they are my own but they're not yours, they are my own and i am never broken we are never broken
we are God's eyes; God's hands god's hands
we are God's eyes; we are God's eyes
we are reflections of God(God's hands)
we are reflections of God (we are God's eyes)
we are reflections of God

Kevin Is Home!!!! And.....

Jonathan is on his way!

Christmas Can't Be Very Far Away

as sung by Amy Grant

Little bits of heaven
Floating gently by the window
Soon this dirty city will be
Covered with a new snow
Let's put on our winter boots
Go outside and play
Christmas can't be very far away
Weather girl says "bundle up"
It's gonna be a cold one
I'll put on my wooly hat
You'll wear your dad's old Stetson
Pretty lights are everywhere
Shining night and day
Christmas can't be very far away
Let's take a walk downtown and
Go dream shopping in the mall
The kids can do the Santa thing
Photographs and all
We'll get the biggest tree this year
And trim it to the top
And spend a whole lot more
Than what we've got
But so what
Come next spring
I know we will be
Ready for the sunshine
Right now throwin' snowballs
At each other's such a fun time
Kids will think we're crazy
For a while and that's okay
Christmas can't be very far away
Christmas can't be very far away

100 And Counting..... 100 Dixie Thunder Troops on MS Soil!

HATTIESBURG — Especially for the occasion, Brandy Quick chose to wear a black shirt with the words "Daddy's Girl" in sparkly pink lettering.Brandy's father, Staff Sgt. Joseph Quick, was among the first group of Mississippi troops who returned home Saturday after nearly a year in Iraq. His absence was difficult for the family from Edinburg, but it proved that Brandy's mother, Angie, was tougher than everyone thought."I installed a toilet all by myself," Angie Quick said.The 155th Brigade Combat Team, which includes the 106th Support Battalion, arrived at Camp Shelby at about 9 p.m. Saturday. Other units will arrive periodically now through the middle of January.Many of the approximately 100 returning soldiers are from the Starkville area and other parts of north Mississippi. While family members excitedly waited for their soldiers, sons and daughters held welcome back signs while parents and sisters paced, their faces full of anticipation.
SGT. 1st Class Phillip Mosley of Meridian was the second one off the plane as members of the 155th Brigade arrived Saturday in Gulfport.
Nine-year-old Briana Errington of Monticello held a red and white sign that read "We Love You!" as she waited for her father, Sgt. Clint Errington."I just want him to get here," she said.Many of the soldiers haven't been home to see what damage Hurricane Katrina left. Stacy Feazell of Lawrence County, whose husband is 1st Sgt. Curtis Feazell, said she was without power for two weeks. She got by with the help and support of her family, she said.
"Having him come home is the best Christmas present ever," said Stacy Feazell's sister-in-law, Tammy Feazell.By the time the two charter buses pulled up, families and friends cheered and clapped for their soldiers.
Briana Errington and her mother, Angela, began crying even before the buses came to a stop. The tears soon gave way to smiles as Clint Errington held his daughter tightly."It's a great feeling to be back," he said. "You don't realize what you have until you've been away, and we take a lot of things for granted."The United States is a great place."

They Start Home FRIDAY!!!!!!! There is no place like home for the holidays!!!! OMG it is OVER!!!!!

December 8, 2005

155th expected to begin coming home Friday
By Holbrook Mohr
The Associated Press

About 100 soldiers in the 155th Brigade Combat Team are expected back in Mississippi on Friday after nearly a year in Iraq, National Guard officials said.The rest of the unit, including almost 3,500 Mississippi soldiers, is expected to arrive in waves through the middle of January. The unit is made up of soldiers from 49 different communities in the state and others from across the country."The members of the 155th BCT, not only provided professional combat power to the Multi-National Forces-Iraq, but developed and sustained a high level of stability within their area of responsibility by establishing agricultural cooperatives, building and supplying schools, conducting engineering work on Iraqi infrastructure and providing medical support to the local population," said Maj. Gen. Harold A. Cross, the adjutant general of Mississippi."They were very instrumental in training Iraqi forces to provide their own security for their Army. They are our heroes and we are ecstatic about welcoming them home ahead of schedule," Cross said.The initial group of soldiers will land at an Air Guard base in Gulfport before loading buses for Camp Shelby, a sprawling, 136,000-acre training base just south of Hattiesburg."We strongly encourage the family members not to drive to the Combat Readiness Training Center on the coast but to meet their soldiers at Camp Shelby," said Lt. Col. Doril Sanders, a Camp Shelby spokesman.The soldiers will not be able to visit with family members in Gulfport, but will be given the opportunity at Camp Shelby before they begin four to five days of demobilization, Sanders said.The unit — with members from Pennsylvania, California, Washington, Texas, Puerto Rico, Virginia, Missouri, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, Utah, and Arkansas — was attached to the II Marine Expeditionary Force.The troops spent much of their time battling insurgents and rooting out clandestine weapons stashes in the so-called "Triangle of Death" in the Karbala, Najaf and Babil provinces of Iraq, the military has said.Fourteen Mississippians in the unit were killed in Iraq, most by roadside bombs.The majority of the soldiers arriving in the next few days are members of the 114th Field Artillery headquartered in Starkville. The rest of the flights will be mixture of different units.Once they arrive at Camp Shelby, the troops will turn in their weapons and receive a mandatory briefing before they are allowed to visit with their families.

HOME AND THE HOLIDAYS

Christmas ON Nannie’s Hill
By Tracye WM Prewitt

Twas the night before Christmas
And On Nannie’s hill
Everybody was stirring, no one was still.
The children were nestled in front of channel 3
To see where woody would say where santa would be
The feast was spread
There were pulley bones, butterbeans, and cornbread
Just to mention a small bit
Of the scrumptious meal that was for a king surely fit
The presents were mounded to the top of the tree
Oh we hardly could wait to open them and see…
A doll, a trike, a teddy for me!
We ate and we ate, and unwrapped til we dropped
But what was that woody?
Santa is on his way?
We must hurry home or miss out on the loot in his sleigh!
With Sister and beck promptly in tow off to Lexington
And we have to GO!!!!!
To Kosciusko go Mike, Greg, And Mandy
They don’t want to miss out on Santa’s toys and his candy.
Jump into bed pull the covers up tight
The next morning what a glorious sight
Santa had come…. Woody was right!
Christmas was such a wonderful time
Filled with love and laughter so sublime!
Not for the gifts and there were quite a few
But for warm and wonderful memories of
Nanny, Woody and YOU!

{Dedicated to my parents, my Nanny, cooter, Uncle doc and family, Sister and beck
Thanks for the sweetest memories of all; you are cherished!}

I'll Be Home For Christmas
Kim Gannon, Walter Kent (c) 1943

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams...

I will be on Nannie's Hill for Christmas but only in my dreams! I miss those days; I miss the faces; You can't get it back; you can never ever erase or replace them! These were the days of innocence; love; and joy all the wonders and magic of Christmas .... I will hold the memories of these Christmas' in my heart for an eternity! May you make memories to last a lifetime this Christmas season! I wish you all love; joy; and magic now and forever!!!!!!

Their Coming Home This Christmas Day!

THIS CHRISTMAS DAY

Trans Siberian Orchestra

So, tell me Christmas Are we wise To believe in things we never see Are prayers just wishes in disguise And are these wishes being granted me For now I see The answering To every prayer I've prayed

She's coming home this Christmas Day
So tell me Christmas Are we kind More this day than any other day Or is it only in our mind And must it leave when you have gone away It's different now It's changed somehow And now you're here to stay

She's coming home this Christmas Day All at once the world It doesn't seem the same And in a single night You know it all has changed And everything is now as it should be
I have the ornament I have the perfect tree I have a string of lights I have a chance to see Everything that my heart thought could be
For of all the dreams You were the first I knew And every other one Was a charade of you You stayed close when I was far away

In the darkest night You always were the star You always took us in No matter who we are And so she's coming home this Christmas Day
So the girl had reached her home And the bar was closing down As the angel started back To bring his Lord what he had found

I'll Be Home For Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

155th Brigade Combat Team coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Associated Press/Gleaned From The Clarion Ledger

PASCAGOULA — Most members of the 155th Brigade Combat Team will be home by Christmas, says Gov. Haley Barbour, with others back no later than Jan. 15.Currently, there are about 4,000 members of the 155th deployed to Iraq and 14 have been killed since they deployed in January. The unit is made up of about 3,500 Mississippi Guard soldiers and others from across the country.Barbour visited the unit's outposts as part of a tour of the Middle East with three other governors during the Thanksgiving holidays."I went to forward bases where four units of the 155th are based," Barbour said during a meeting Monday with the editorial board of The Mississippi Press."I bet I saw 1,500 of the 3,500 (in the unit). They thanked me for coming, but there was no place where I would have rather been. What they told me that Friday was that most of their mission has been taken over by the Iraqis. Two of the four base bases are not going to reopen, one of them is going to reopen under the Iraqis, one is not going to reopen," he said.Barbour said the unit members and commanders told him that they have accomplished their mission so successfully that what they were doing a few months ago is being done by the Iraqis.Barbour said he believes there will be fewer American troops involved in Iraq because of what the units have accomplished and because the Iraqis are being trained more and more."Their (the troops') attitude was very positive, because they felt so good about their success," he said."They felt so good because they accomplished their mission. Some of them are still in harm's way. One of our bases is in a place that's still difficult. But the other three, the same report, over and over. And we saw Iraqis coming in to the base patrols coming into the base. It was really good, very good to see them."They made me feel a lot better that the success that's being had is going to mean a whole lot fewer Americans there."The length of the Iraq conflict has caused some members of both parties in Congress to call for a timetable to begin withdrawing U.S. forces from the country.Barbour said a slow withdrawal would work better than setting a specific timetable."I think if the people in Congress went to Iraq and saw what I and the three other governors saw, that their attitude would be that we should withdraw troops from Iraq down to the level of need and they would see that that level is going down," he said. "There will be fewer soldiers in Iraq by this time next year."You're not going to learn from the American news media, but if they went down there and saw what the four of us saw, they would see that's the right process to withdraw ... That need is shrinking every week."Besides meeting with the 155th, Barbour said he also visited with other Mississippi units in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where he saw a Gulf Coast Guard unit assisting with earthquake relief.In Kuwait, he said, he saw the 1108 AVCRAD helicopter maintenance unit."The same day, I saw their lead element of the 155th Brigade Combat Team. The lead element of departure is set up at a big air base in Kuwait. More than half of them will be home by Christmas."

This is a photo of the FOUR MUSKETEERS!

Josh, Adam, Jonathan, and Jay Prewitt

When we took this picture almost a year ago we were looking toward a LONG deployment!!!! Now as we look back at this picture we only have weeks to go and Jonathan will be home and we will make a new picture to go with this one! Thanks be to God in the highest And PEACE and goodwill to ALL mankind!

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!!!!!!!!

Eddie Pola, George Wyle 1963

It's the most wonderful time of the year.
With the kids jingle belling,
and everyone telling you,
"Be of good cheer,"
It's the most wonderful time of the year.
There'll be parties for hosting,
marshmallows for toasting and
caroling out in the snow.
there'll be scary ghost stories and
tales of the glories of Christmases
long, long ago.
It's the most wonderful time of the year.
There'll be much mistletoeing
and hearts will be glowing,
when loved ones are near.
It's the most wonderful time of the year.

10 Weeks And Counting

I just started the tenth week of my diet and so far so good!

I have lost around 20-30 lbs remember I didn't weigh before I started this endeavor but
I went to the doctor the other day and I was around 20-30 lbs lighter than the last time he saw me or weighed me. I still got around 20 pounds to go to be down to where I want to be which is around 115 pounds. I am still walking at the Y... I have upped the mileage to 3 miles a day with inclines ranging from 5-10 (whatever that means) on the treadmill.... On fridays I walk 5 miles! I call it five mile friday! I never thought I would like to see the 5 on the incline but believe me after a half mile on 10 and a couple on 8 ... 5 is the loveliest number that I ever saw LOL! I stopped my yoga when I was sick but have to get back to doing it ... got a butt, and tummy tape yesterday!

I found it is rather nice to hear folks tell me how good I am looking and how much weight I have lost etc... It is addicting! I just gotta get through Christmas... LOL! I have extended the diet by 10 weeks and will let myself off for the days I am home for the holidays! 20 weeks will take me up to Spring Break!

My goal is to get down to 115-110 pounds by spring break or at least by summer and do the Run Through History/Relay For Life (10-15 miles this year)/ And The Over The River Run!
Wish me well and give me your prayers especially through the holidays. It sure is gonna be hard with all the cookies/cakes/pies/fudge/trash/yadda yadda yadda everywhere!
But so far God has given me the will power to just say NO! And I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Just thought you all would like a diet up date!

Dedicated To All Those CHA/HJC Friends.... I love you all!

"Photograph"
By Nickelback


Look at this photograph
Everytime I do it makes me laugh
How did our eyes get so red
And what the hell is on Joey's head
And this is where I grew up
I think the present owner fixed it up
I never knew we'd ever went without
The second floor is hard for sneaking out
And this is where I went to school
Most of the time had better things to do
Criminal record says I broke in twice
I must have done it half a dozen times
I wonder if It's too late
Should i go back and try to graduate
Life's better now then it was back then
If I was them I wouldn't let me in
Oh oh oh
Oh god I
Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Remember the old arcade
Blew every dollar that we ever made
The cops hated us hangin' out
They say somebody went and burned it down
We used to listen to the radio
And sing along with every song we know
We said someday we'd find out how it feels
To sing to more than just the steering wheel
Kim's the first girl I kissed
I was so nervous that I nearly missed
She's had a couple of kids since then
I haven't seen her since god knows when
Oh oh oh
Oh god I
Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
I miss that town
I miss the faces
You can't erase
You can't replace it
I miss it now
I can't believe it
So hard to stay
Too hard to leave it
If I could I relive those days
I know the one thing that would never change
Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye
Look at this photograph
Everytime I do it makes me laugh
Everytime I do it makes me......
*********************************************************************************
We had so much fun .... I remember you ALL (yes all) very fondly! We were so close we were like a family instead of a class/school. That is what happens when you go to a smallish HS and College. We had some really unforgetable times.... Bonfires behind Fleetwood/CW Goodnights on Res/The LAMAR/Jr Sr Banquet and Senior Play/Senior Trip/Riding around because there was nothing else to do/hanging at Sonic/Low Water/Soft Ball Games/ Football games/ and the list goes on and on and on!!!!! As the commercials say; those times were PRICELESS!
I miss those times ... I miss your faces...

Not A Moment To Soon As Recorded By Tim McGraw

I was standing
At the end of my rainbow
With no where to go
And no pot of gold in sight
All my wishes
Were just way too much to hope for
But when I saw you
I knew I'd seen the light

CHORUS:

And not a moment too soon
without a minute to spare
You touched my heart
When I didn't have a prayer
In my darkest hour
With my world filled with gloom
Your sweet love saved me
Not a moment too soon


I used to think
That love would never find me
And the one who cares
Was lost somewhere in time
But when you found me
I knew I'd found forever
You rescued me
Just before I crossed the line

(Repeat chorus)

Your sweet love saved me
Not a moment too soon
Oh, not a moment too soon, yeah

Dedicated to the loves of my life; Nathan, Jay, and Josh...
Thank you for loving me!

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I--I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening

By Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

This One's For You ... Mr and/or Ms American Hero !!!!

Bush Dedicates Tree Lighting to Troops
Thursday, December 01, 2005

WASHINGTON — For the fifth year in a row, President Bush on Thursday dedicated the lighting of the National Christmas tree to U.S. troops risking their lives far from home and loved ones.

"We ask for God to watch over our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas. Their families miss them, hold a seat open for them and pray for their safe return," Bush said. "Many of them are serving in distant lands tonight, but they are close to our hearts."

A moment later, the president and his wife, Laura, were aided by three local girls as they flicked the switch that illuminated the dazzling white lights and snowflakes that adorn the live, 40-foot Colorado blue spruce that stands permanently on the Ellipse just south of the White House.
Jackie, Melissa, and Jenna Kantor of nearby Bethesda, Md., were chosen to assist the president because they started a program called Project Backpack that assembles bags stuffed with school supplies for Gulf Coast children affected by Hurricane Katrina. "We have a responsibility to help those in need," the president said after an hourlong outdoor variety show of Christmas songs and readings. "Acts of kindness toward others fulfill the spirit of the season." Though the "Pageant of Peace" attended by thousands was festive, Bush noted soberly that "we approach Christmas in this time of war." Bush has never presided over a tree-lighting ceremony that has not included mentions of troops serving overseas in difficult missions, as his first Christmas as president came not long after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Afghanistan campaign that followed, and the Iraq war began in 2003. The tree will remain lighted and open for public viewing through December, and musical performances by volunteer choirs and dancers are scheduled nightly through Dec. 23. The Bushes went from the Ellipse to the White House to kick off their holiday entertaining season. The first couple welcomed about 500 friends and supporters to a holiday reception on the lavishly decorated State Floor of the White House, press secretary Scott McClellan said. Thursday's party guests were the first of 9,500 expected to attend almost nightly White House receptions through the holidays.