MY HELL-A-GOOD PATRIOTIC WEEKEND!

I just had to tell ya'll about my super duper patriotic great American weekend. Saturday was an awesome day.Rathdrum Days Parade had alot of The National Guard that returned,met some great old timey Vets and was impressed w/ size of crowd in lil ole North Idaho.Had an 80 yearold Vet dressed in his best, spit shine and all,and we talked during the parade.I made him blush with my praise and thanks and prayers.Even too a pic w/ him.He was a General.As the parade entries threw candy and stuff, I would gather it and give the candy to him(General Crockett!) and his wife.So cute as they ate candy and popcycles! I told them not to curse me when the sugar rush ran off! LOL! Made me feel proud! We then shot over across town to see off 100 troops headed to Iraq..alot of tears and scared eyes on the kids in uniform.Then went to a dedication ceremony at Court House in CDA honoring troops w/ an array of medals(see todays www.CDAPress.com and headline story 'National Guard Honors Soldiers' and it names them and all the brave things they did) and to place a plaque for the one soldier from the 116th that was killed.It was a very moving hour and a half w/ first being the ONLY civilians (tisk-tisk people) having about 75 of the troops hanging w/ us and me taking pics (of course!) and some we met during Post Falls parade.Its awesome to be surrounded by so many great Americans, and they knew us.The parents of the fallen soldier were preset, very strong, no tears.I hugged and kissed both of them and thanked them for their sacrifice and let them know how greatful and sorry we are for their loss.Watching alot of the guys cry as they hugged mom saying what an honor it was to serve w/ their son, was hard to say the least.The 5 star General who I met in Post Falls, saw us and was so thriled to see me, it was wierd.He has the news clipping the Spokesman Review locl paper took of me next to him with the entire 116th on Flag Day.I had a shirt on that said 'I Love ARMY BOYS' and he was all...'I have our pic over my desk,and see you everyday!You got me in the paper! ' . I said, your the reason, he goes, it was you being so cute and that shirt! LOL! They took another pic of me with them,and the General goes anything special? I go, 'Yeah, All the guys take your shirts off!' And everybody,even the somber mom, laughed hard. Then about 10 minutes later the stereo stared playing Taps,and the ceramony began.I feel honored and greatful for that chance to show my and my families appreciation for all their sacrifices and hard charging work.All kinds of medals Purple Hearts,Bronze Stars,Metals of Valor and all were gven to these guys that just minutes B4 were goofing around with me! They took formation in the grass under blue skies and 95 degrees.I was like a proud mother! Its amazing what a hug and kiss does.For both sides. And you know, from the bottom of my heart, how honored I am to know such great Heros ! GOD BLESS AMERICA! GOD BLESS YOU ALL! I send you all my thanks,love and prayers and kisses!