Christmas Breakfast with the Gonzales'

As is tradition, we spend Christmas morning with Greg's moms side of the family. It's usually been held at Uncle Steve and Aunt Darcie's place which has a wonderful view of San Pedro. Tamales, eggs, sausage, tortillas, & mexican bread is just a taste of all that's served up. We enjoyed catching up with the aunties and uncles and seeing Grandpa Gonzales. Unfortunately, it never seems to be enough time to visit because we rush off to our home to prepare our annual Christmas dinner we put on for both parent sides. Too bad Christmas day can't last longer than 24 hours. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Friends, Food and Fun

This past Sat. we enjoyed a fun evening with our friends. Tami and Jeevan threw a feast of a Christmas party. The little over acheiver made roast beef, ham and duck! Not to mention all types of side dishes to accompany the tasty vitals. Greg and Izzy played a game of chess, the gals dished on the sofa and a good time was had by all. It especially became hysterical watching Tami & Jeevan's award winning performances as James Brown and Gloria Estefan from a cruise they took this past summer. Tami you're house was beautiful and the food was superb, boy we're glad we know you guys :-)

A Cotillion Christmas

Thurs. Dec 14th was the last night of work for Cotillion until we start up again at the end of January. As per tradition, we held a Christmas party after work and were spoiled by an array of goodies from co-workers and Mr. & Mrs. Martine. The big hit of the party - the famed Burke Williams Day Spa gift certificates. They sure know how to build loyalty in their staff :-) In addition to that, Mrs. Martine put together tower boxes filled with goodies from Mrs. Fields as well as movie passes. In the background of the pics you can see a portion of the elaborate decorations we put up and tear down each evening of work. Yes, the swag garland is ours too! I must say, I am very blessed to work with such fun people and such a generous company. It's wonderful to be able to say I love what I do.

Billy's 15th Birthday

I can hardly believe that it has been 15 years since I first became an Aunt. I'll never forget the day Billy was born. We were all in the room together awaiting the Doctor's arrival, however, the doc didn't quite make it in time. Billy wasn't waiting for anyone. Out he came as the midwife asked my sister to help hand over different tools to assist in the birth. It was something else! I loved holding that little guy and watching him grow up and now he's taller than me. Just makes you realize you need to enjoy every moment with people b/c before you know it they're all grown up. Happy Birthday Billy!

Handel's Messiah

On Sunday evening, my folks and dear friends Jason and Traci spent the night listening to Handel's Messiah at the Crystal Cathedral. While this was my first time ever seeing it performed live I am no stranger to the music. Mom made sure to play it every year at Christmas time, so it was fun to recognize many of the songs (not to mention she was tickeled pink that we were finally seeing it performed live). There couldn't be a more magnificent way to use scripture as song.

Christmas Party in Palm Springs

On Sat. the titleholders got together with members of their families along with our directors for a wonderful luncheon at Spencer's in Palm Springs. We were presented with our official autograph pads & photos, new luggage, and jewelry

all stuffed in an adorable "high heeled" stocking. Greg and I decided to stay for the evening and enjoy ourselves to PF Changs at "The River" in Rancho Mirage - very cool place to walk around. It just so happened that a church was putting on a production of the Nativity so we had fun watching, eating and just being with eachother for a fun date night out.

That's what it's all about

Today I was able to spend the morning with 100 children from the Bellflower School district. These children were nominated by their teachers to be a part of a Christmas wish shopping spree. The Bellflower Lion's club puts this event on yearly and it's held at the local K-mart. Each child first meets Santa and has their picture taken w/ him and then gets a 25$ gift certificate to purchase whatever they would like. I had the opportunity to meet each child while they were in line waiting to meet Santa. The little girls were so excited to be able to put the crown on and the boys just wanted to know if it was real :-) What really got me were some of the comments made by children as to what they wanted for Christmas. One young boy told Santa all he wanted was a family. That hit me straight to the core, to think a child is not asking for all the materialistic things they could have but just wanting to be a part of a family unit. That gave me confirmation that I need to continue advocating for these children who so desperately need loving homes. It also made me appreciate my own family. I've so often taken for granted my family and the stability and love I've had all my life. It was a good reminder that as we approach Christmas day, it's not the "stuff" or all the parties or the decorations that make this day important. It's celebrating the birth of our Savior, who came in human form as a tiny child to save us from a world where there is so much brokeness.

First Official Appearance

This past Tuesday, Nov. 28, I was a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Victorville. I spoke on foster/adoption awareness and brought attention to the many ways they could get involved as a club and on an individual level. I was accompanied by my director, Eddie Peterson, as well as the current Miss California International, Mary Maldonado. We were presented with certificates from the Rotary Club that donated a book with our names inscribed inside to a local children's library.

A shout out to my hairdresser

It's always a joyous day when you find a hairdresser who really understands how to make you look you're best. I just have to give kudos to my new stylist who did such a wonderful job with my color and cut. She is generously donating her services to me for my year as Mrs. Ca. So, if ever you're in Palm Springs and are looking for an updated style/color, Mari Lou is the gal to see. She's at "Fusion Hair Studio", 172 E. Andreas, Palm Springs 92262 bus: 760-416-9525.

Hidden talents

It's interesting the things you find out about people when you spend a little time hanging out with them. While we were at B.J's with a group of friends after church, we discovered one of Jeeven's hidden talents - balancing a salt shaker on the corner of the bottle. Now this may look easy, but it is harder then you think. (FYI: in case you're thinking of trying this anytime soon, you need a bit of the salt on the table, shape into a small mound and balance the corner on the mound)
P.S.: you didn't hear this from me as I would never endorse this as proper table etiquette :-)

Girl's Night Out

Last Friday night, we had girls night at the Staples center to watch the Dixie Chicks. Our good friend works for a company that has a box and was able to get us tickets to the concert. I was a bit apprehensive of going due to Natalie's (the lead singer) past comments made against the president etc. But alas, who can pass up free tickets and a reason to get together with friends. All in all, I was really impressed with their musical talent. While I don't see eye to eye with their politics the girl's got pipes and the sisters can play! A good night had by all.

A reminder of our History

Happy Thanksgiving!
Pilgrim William Brewster holds a Bible as the Pilgrims pray for a safe journey as they leave for America from Delft Haven, Holland, on July 22, 1620.The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty.

For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm purpose and a reliance on Divine Providence, the cry of "Land!" was heard.
Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the "Mayflower Compact" - America's first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.

After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters. However, unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter, nearly half died before spring. Yet, persevering in prayer, and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America's first Thanksgiving Festival.

Pilgrim Edward Winslow described the Pilgrims' Thanksgiving in these words:


"Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling [bird hunting] so that we might, after a special manner, rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as... served the company almost a week... Many of the Indians [came] amongst us and... their greatest King, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought... And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE... FAR FROM WANT."

In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, America celebrated its first Day of Thanksgiving to God under its new constitution. That same year, the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become its regular day for giving thanks, "unless another day be appointed by the civil authorities." Yet, despite these early national proclamations, official Thanksgiving observances usually occurred only at the State level.
Much of the credit for the adoption of a later ANNUAL national Thanksgiving Day may be attributed to Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. For thirty years, she promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting President after President until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln's precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

Lincoln's original 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation came - spiritually speaking - at a pivotal point in his life. During the first week of July of that year, the Battle of Gettysburg occurred, resulting in the loss of some 60,000 American lives. Four months later in November, Lincoln delivered his famous "Gettsysburg Address." It was while Lincoln was walking among the thousands of graves there at Gettysburg that he committed his life to Christ. As he explained to a friend:


When I left Springfield [to assume the Presidency] I asked the people to pray for me. I was not a Christian. When I buried my son, the severest trial of my life, I was not a Christian. But when I went to Gettysburg and saw the graves of thousands of our soldiers, I then and there consecrated myself to Christ.

As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving each year, we hope they will retain the original gratefulness to God displayed by the Pilgrims and many other founding fathers , and remember that it is to those early and courageous Pilgrims that they owe not only the traditional Thanksgiving holiday but also the concepts of self-government, the "hard-work" ethic, self-reliant communities, and devout religious faith.

A work in Progress

September was a very busy month for us. Not only did I go back to work for the Martine Cotillions and begin preparation for the pageant, but we started remodeling our bathroom/kitchen. Here are a few before and during shots. We are set to be finished sometime before Christmas!

Recapping the night

So, with the news of our blog brought the news of my "new" title. Many of you had no clue that I was involved in this latest endeavor. Around Sept. I was approached with the idea of competing and after much thought (and a small arm twist) I decided this would be a fun goal to get back into shape and getting a jump start on educating us about fostering. The Mrs. International pageant is based primarily on the women's platform, an issue she would represent for the year. I was excited with the possiblity of being able to share my passion about foster/adopt on a state/national level. To make a long story short, I left with Greg for the pageant on Oct. 26th. Interviews were that Fri. with the prelim. pageant Sat. afternoon. I had to compete in Physical fitness (which consisted of a unitard), a 30 second platform statement and evening gown (which Greg escorted me and looked quite handsome if I do say so myself). The top 8 scores were tallied and those 8 ladies competed at Sundays show. There were many wonderful women who truly would have done the title proud and I am just so blessed to have been chosen among them to represent the state and the pageant. I'm looking forward to competing at the national pageant in Chicago, July 20/21st.
Below is a slide show I borrowed from my friends blog as I did not take any personal pictures myself. Enjoy!

The Official Photo Shoot

This week I had my official photo shoot at Jack Yonn studio in San Diego. If only every morning had a makeup artist/hair stylist to make me look fabulous. Greg was a doll and drove me down after work Mon (1:30am) so I could wakeup the next morning and already be there. He snapped these shots of me being prepped for the shoot. I had several different wardrobe changes: business, fun fashion, evening gown and a fun one to use for Christmas. I haven't seen the finished photos yet so this is the only sneak preview you all get. In case you ever need a Professional makeup artist check out Jacey Cosentino, she's based out of L.A. and did a wonderful job (plus she was very sweet!)

Princess in Training

My adorable niece trying on the crowned jewels.

From Brent ...

The wednesday night bible study that I am a part of decided to send care packages to some soldiers in Iraq. The package that I sent found it's way to a wonderful man who has taken the time to send out updates on his experience there. I found this particular update to be very moving and informative. Thank God for men like Brent, who understand the importance of protecting freedom.

Well, this is it, the one that I’ve been looking forward to -the final edition of the Iraq Updates is here. It is amazing how fast a year goes when you work 16 hours a day, 6 days a week and 12 hours on our “day of rest.” There aremany here, as there are in Korea, who keep a deployment calendar where they start at 365 and scratch off a day until they hit zero and are then on their way home. That calendar typically works in Korea where your tour length is set. Over here, nothing is guaranteed. Case in point… the 172nd Stryker Brigade our of Alaska was in the redeployment process and had already sent some folks home when they were given the mission of supporting Operation Together Forward in Baghdad to gain control of the situation in Baghdad. The guys that had already made it home had to turn around and come back. What a morale buster.

My year over here has given me a new appreciation for lots of things. First and foremost, it is an appreciation for the American Soldier. Even though I’m one of them, I’ve always considered what we do to be more of a job with unusual requirements than anything else. I’ve been so wrong. For the younger enlisted kids who are still gladly signing up for additional enlistments, they put up with conditions that nobody in their right mind back home would tolerate and they do it for a small paycheck. They put up with less than optimal living conditions, medicore food, extremely harsh environmental conditions, missed birthdays/anniversaries/births/ firststeps/firstwords/graduations /weddings/funerals,double the national divorce rate and they do this on a daily basis all while someone out there is trying to kill them. Although they will grumble all the while they are going through it, most of them would and will come back here for a second, third or fourth tour without complaining too much. I have to say that I’ve been truly impressed by them.

Another thing that I’ve gained an appreciation for is the civilized society and domestic security we have back home. There is truly no price that can be put on this. When you look at the chaotic society over here and the lack of rule of law, it
makes you wonder how they get along day to day. One comment that I’ve read in a couple of letters to the editor of the Stars and Stripes newspaper and such since I’ve been over here is, “Why should I appreciate America, what has it done for me?” This is the dumbest question I’ve ever heard. Spend a week or two over here living among the locals and see if you gain a new-found appreciation for what America has given you. You have the freedom to live wherever you want, worship God anyway that you want, the ability to conduct commerce in a free market with little to no corruption, the ability to walk down the street and not wonder if you are going to get shot in a drive-by shooting, kidnapped or blown up by a bomb, the ability to use as much electricity as you want 24 hours a day (as opposed to the 8 hours of electricity that you may/may not get over here), clean drinking water, an education….I could go on and on, but you get the point. Over here, most of this is a daily struggle.When we first got over here, our FOB would receive mortar or rocket fire on a frequent basis. We’d all rush around, put on our body armor, make sure everyone was OK and then continue on. Then we caught the guy that was responsible for it. Months of quiet. The past several months, it has started back up again. This time, it is different. I don’t know if it is because we have gotten used to it or what, but now when we hear the booms of mortars/rockets/IEDs/car bombs/etc., we try to figure out if it is them firing at us or us at them. If it was them shooting at us, we just take it as a momentary interruption to what we were doing and then go about our way. No scurrying around and no body armor unless something detonates within a couple hundred yards of you.

There is much discussion back home right now about the situation over here and there will be more if it as the election nears. Some say that this is a quagmire and others say that we are making progress and will be out of here within the next several years (just announced a couple weeks ago to be around 2010). Since I’m not trying to get your vote, I’ll give you the opinion from the front lines. If we don’t stay over here to finish the job, we are basically spitting on the accomplishments that the military has fought and died for over the past three years and our next generation or two will pay the price. We have the opportunity to try and prevent an entire country from falling into chaos and being a tool for the Islamic extremists/terrorists from within and from the outside (Syria and Iran). We are making progress, albeit slow, towards a stable government and viable security forces over here every day, but you never hear about that in the media. Some days there are setbacks, but that is not unexpected. If we were to pull out now, everything that we’ve accomplished to this point would be ruined in a matter of months (or less) after our pullout. This country would descend into anarchy, uncontrolled civil war would erupt and the void of stability would be filled by unwanted outside influences. We would then probably be back here as part of a powerless U.N. peacekeeping force. Our kids will pay the price for it. On the other hand, if we can find the resolve to see this country start to provide a healthy and growing economy, a stable security environment and functioning government, it will be one less rogue government we will have to worry about in the future. This fight is far from over and it will be costly, but consider the cost of several more September 11th-like events. This fight for our national and global security has to be won out here; it is too late when the fight is at our shores, borders or in the airspace over our country. Until the politicians stop their petty
bickering over whether there was adequate planning coming into this fight and
get this figured out, we are all at risk.

One of the Soldiers in the section that is replacing mine is Muslim. We had an interesting conversation the other day. He said that when he went to the local vendor’s shops that we have set up in our hangar, they found out that he was Muslim. The first question out of all of their mouths was whether he was Shia or Sunni. That is how the Iraqis see everyone, Shia or Sunni. This will usually determine whether or not they will associate with you (or want to kill you). His response to all of them was the same, “It doesn’t matter, I’m Muslim - neither Shia nor Sunni.” They had a hard time getting past this. This is the mindset that has been in place since Saddam came to power and it is something that they will have to get past in the next generation or there will never be peace in this land.

Tonight, six days before we officially turn the mission over to our replacement unit, our Brigade Commander gathered all of the brigade staff officers to personally thank us for the hard work that we put in and the amazing things that we have done over here. He continued on with a couple of good quotes that I think are worthy of putting down here. “We are here to provide the people of Iraq an opportunity. They just have to decide if they want to seize the opportunity for a better life.” “We are the thin line that separates them from a life of anarchy and killing or a prosperous future.” I think that summarizes our mission over here pretty well.

The key to solving the problems over here is in the hands of the Iraqis. We just try to keep them from killing each other every day and show them how a rule-of-law society operates. When they finally decide that they have had enough of the killings, put their desire for a peaceful life ahead of their own political power and corruption, then we will be on the road to a stable government and a prosperous country. Until then, we will just have put up with the politicians, military and police who are less corrupt or sectarian than the rest, as they are all corrupt or sectarian to some degree.

I have had the opportunity to serve with some very smart and talented people over here. If I had to come back, I’d want to do it with the same team we have in place
now. Sure, we’ve had our arguments and disagreements, but we all are pulling in
the same direction and that is what makes a successful unit. My Brigade Commander and Brigade Command Sergeant Major are a perfect pair and you couldn’t ask to work for a better team or anyone who cares more about Soldiers than they do. I have served with some great Soldiers over here, some of whom will not be coming home with us and some who will bear physical scars of their time over here. Please continue to keep them and their families in your prayers as it will
take some of them a lifetime to try and recover from their injuries.

I want to thank all of you out there who have provided us and our families with encouragement, support, love, prayers and munchies this past year. They have made a difference. We watch the same mainstream news programs that you watch back home. To listen to them, you’d think that we had not done a single good thing over here and that the only worthy news is how many civilians and soldiers were killed that day in various bombings and shootings, which politician thinks that this is a lost cause or how the public doesn’t believe that we are doing the right thing over here. The letters and emails that I’ve gotten over paint a completely different picture. You’ve all told me that there is more support back home for our efforts over here than we are aware of. That is encouraging to know and makes it feel like our sacrifices are worth it. After we leave here, there will still be thousands of Soldiers, civilians and contractors over here continuing the fight. Please continue to keep them in your prayers and provide them whatever support you can.

God bless America and the American
Soldier! Keep the faith!

MAJ Brent

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