Friday, June 13, 2008

Patriotic Enrichment Night...

Last night at Enrichment night they asked Chad to talk about his experiences in Afghanistan. He did an amazing job. He talked for a little bit then did a slide show presentation showing how things are there along with a question and answer part. He was interesting, informative and very funny. Everyone loved it and were very impressed. He also showed a couple of video clips of "close calls" when he was driving and he had his camcorder on his dash recording. One of them had an explosive buried in the side of the road that was detonated as he passed beside it. He had to swerve hard to avoid it. The road came up in this huge mound bigger than his vehicle. The other was a truck that blew up in front of him with a suicide bomber driving it. It sent debris flying at him. He quickly threw it in reverse to get out of there. Its a very strange and un-nerving thing as a mother to watch videos of terrorists trying to blow up my boy. I count my blessings everyday that Heavenly Father watched over him and brought him back home to us.We set up a display table as well. I grabbed an arm full of his ducks for the table and told them about the story of his Uncle Steven advising Chad to be the duck and stay down and safe instead of the goose that runs around getting shot. I told them how so many of my blog readers sent him care packages that included these ducks showing their support and love. They all though it was great.I finally put together Chad's National Guard frame. I really love how it turned out and so does he, so I'm a happy mom. :o)Money from Afghanistan
Brother Harmon spoke before Chad and gave us a great lesson on American history. He was very informative and even quizzed us. He brought these old flags to display. The lower only has 48 stars. I love old flags and cant help but think of the history that surrounds them. It really was a great evening.


Today Chad, his friend Hunter and myself worked on wood for girls camp. They are now ALL drilled and sanded. It feels great to have that checked of my to-do list. My list is still long, but that was a big one.
We have a fun and busy weekend ahead of us. I've gotta run now, but I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a really great night. I'm glad Chad did so well. I can't imagine being the mother of a soldier.
I love the frame you did for him.
I bet it feels good checking things off your long list. I'm sure it will all get done.
Diane

Andi said...

Oh my, your Chad is so handsome!!!

How nice to have a Patriotic Enrichment Night. The display table looks wonderful and I think it's great that you included the ducks. The National Guard frame really did turn out nice Jolene.

Now I'm going back to read your post below and check out the bedding.

Briana said...

I'm sure his presentation was awesome. I would have loved to hear it. I am so moved by the stories of our service men and women. I can't believe you could watch those videos. I would have been freaking out.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I love popping in occasionally to see what's new. I know you are so proud of your gang!
Happy Father's Day at your house!

Jane said...

My BIL is there now. We pray for his safety everyday!! I am so glad that your son is home safe and sound.

Good luck with camp. We have ours in one week.

Anonymous said...

Hey, I'm so glad the boys helped you finish that camp stuff! Yay! You must be relieved to have a part of things done. :)

Happy Father's Day to Mark!

xoxo

Tember

Elisha said...

Very cool that Chad was able to do that. I'm almost finished reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" so right now I'm really interested in Afghanistan and the history of the country. Wish I could have been there!

Jenn said...

I would have loved to have heard Chad's presentation, but I don't think I would have been able to handle the terrorist video. That must have been very hard for you. I am glad he is home safe!

Jamie said...

Just wanted to say "hi". I have been reading your blog for quite some time now but I just never take the time to write a comment. I hope you have fun at camp!

Jacquie said...

Greta post! Chad gives you so much to be proud of.

Hope you enjoy camp.

Allyson said...

Everyone loved this. I have had emails and comments from many who truely enjoyed Chad. Thanks you guys! You really made the night super fabulous. And the table you set up was absolutely awesome.

The Picketts said...

I LOVED Chad's presentation! Please tell him THANK YOU! Sometimes, with this war going on as long as it has, it's easy to remember who, what, when, where, why, and that makes me SO sad! It was definitely a great reminder for me and I'm glad that he is home, safe and sound! (My neices husband is being deployed to Iraq in September...found that out the same night as Chad's presentation!) Oh, and I'm going to add you to my "blog" - I hope you don't mind! I LOVE your blog!

The Picketts said...

By the way, I meant to say, It's NOT easy to remember....sorry to sound so dumb! HA HA HA!