Happy Birthday Stephan!

There were times during Stephan's 18 years you just weren't sure if he was going to make it. He lives everyday harder than the previous...and has a great time doing it. He was born at St. Mary's hospital in Blue Springs, MO on a very hot day in 1991.

When I started in the Navy, Stephan wanted everything camouflage. His blanket, cloths, everything was camo. I think he was really ready to move into that part of his life and he's never looked back.

As he's gotten older, he's taken on responsibility as a young adult and walked away from it when he still wanted to be a kid. He has a contagious smile and a good heart.

Stephan makes me very proud as I get older and see the man he is becoming. He still has a lot of growing up to do, but he isn't afraid to make mistakes and learn from them as every man does! Happy birthday Stephan...I love you!

Rock-n-Roll 1/2 Marathon - Virginia Beach

Steph and I have been getting up every morning at 5am to train for the Rock N Roll Marathon in Virginia Beach to be held over Labor Day weekend (Sept. 6th). The 13.1 mile course is suppose to follow the ocean front and end on the beach.

This is Steph's first 1/2 marathon and she's pretty excited about it. She got on-line last night and ordered our flight, hotel and car. We still have to sign up for the event - we'll probably do that in the next day or so. Since this is her first, I'm training/adding moral support to her daily runs. We're doing about 3 miles a day during the week and have a long run on the weekend.

By early August, we'll be doing 4 miles each morning and 10-12 on the weekends...she'll be ready, and we'll have a great time in Virginia Beach over Labor Day!

Pictures to Remember...

At Derek's on the 4th we had another family picture taken. It's been a while since all of us have been together, so it's always nice to get a current shot of my brother's and sister and especially mom! In case it's been a while since you've seen the group, it's Derek (the youngest), then Caron (the oldest), then mom, me and Jeff (the goofiest)!

Steph and I took our turn getting a picture as well. This December, Steph and I will have been married 6 wonderful years! I love this woman more than I can ever put down on paper. Just to catch you up on our life: we are STILL trying to sell our house! We extended our contract a month with our Realtor with the provision that he start doing some things I want him to do to sell our home. I am a Project Manager by trade and selling a house is nothing more than a project. Define the objective, determine milestones to be met and deliverables...add in a marketing and communication plan and the project is on the way. We are using Craig's List now as well as the Realtor's site to reach out to everyone we can. His contract expires on August 6th - we'll see what happens!

Morgan came over and stayed with us this past weekend (she's the older one on my back)! We were going swimming on Sunday afternoon and invited Colby and Addison (on my lap) to join us. We got a free day pass at a new neighborhood pool with waterslides and a couple pools. The girls had a good time and so did we. I was pooped that night - I didn't realize I was so busy with going down the slides with Morgan and catering to Addison (she was a little cranky...she didn't get her full nap out).

Stephan's 18th birthday is this Friday, July 17th! There were times I though he would never reach this day; actually, we're not there yet, he still has the chance to prove me right. He is currently working on a horse farm in the mornings just outside of Odessa, MO (about 10 miles from his house). He enjoys the outside work and likes being around the horses. Have a terrific birthday Pal!

Outstanding Weekend!

Over two months...WOW!!! That how long since my last blog! I humbly bow my head in disgrace. It's not that things haven't been exciting - I just haven't been actively involved in keeping everyone up to date. I hope to do better...they say the first step is admitting your fault! ;o)

We had a great weekend. Mine started Thursday afternoon and went till 6:00 this morning when I had to get ready for work. We had a cookout and good family fellowship at my home on Friday for Steph's side of the family. Shirley (Steph's mom), Kay (Steph's sister), Craig & Nedra (Steph's brother & sister-in-law), Jessi (Craig's daughter) and Shallen enjoyed dinner together. This was a progressive meal as we drove to Shirley's for brownie's & ice cream to top off the evening.

On Saturday we met at my brother Derek's home in Grain Valley, MO for a little more "explosive" day! The kids were shooting off fireworks. My brother's Jeff (and his girlfriend Stacey) & Derek (& his wife Wendi) were there. My sister Caron & her husband Jeff was there. Mom was there enjoying all of her kids together once again. We had some good food and enjoyed everyone taking turns at "Guitar Hero!" There were a number of pictures taken...I'll be sure to include a few in my next blog.

Shallen is set to go to Truman State in Kirksville, MO this fall. We went up in June to a parent/student meeting with advisors. Shallen got her classes and we got to see her dorm room - it's a far cry from what I experienced as "dorm life" some 25 years ago when I first attended school at Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. She already knows her room mate and suite-mates given the social networking of Facebook!

Steph and I are preparing for the Rock & Roll 1/2 Marathon in Virginia Beach on September 6th. This will be her first 1/2 marathon and she is somewhere between excited and sick to her stomach. I am playing the role of her trainer. She'll be ready! We ran a 5K on Saturday morning, The Freedom Run, in Lenexa, KS. She could have easily gone another 2 miles. My big run will be the Kansas City 1/2 marathon this fall...I'd like to run about a 1:35.

My hope is that this blog finds all my family and friends in good health. Please feel free to reach out to me as you all get the chance!

Let The Games Begin!

Kansas City Corporate Challenge kicks off this evening in the parking lot surrounding Arrowhead Stadium. Each year, Kansas City businesses of every size and shape get together to compete in events that mirror the Olympic games...and then some!

I am competing for H&R block in the 5K run and Tug-of-War. I'v been trying to focus on the shorter distance and doing a lot of speed work - we'll see if it helps. Tug-of-War is a tactical sport. The idea is to get more bodies on the rope than the opposing team...two additional legs can add a lot of support when the pulling starts. My brother Jeff also works for Block and will be on the Tug-of-War team as well - he's a moose!

Tonight's kick-off is about getting the companies together and having a rah-rah session to promote good sportsmanship and competition. While I'm competing for H&R Block, Stephanie will be competing for Applebee's Inc. in a smaller division. She'll be playing table tennis, volleyball and tennis.

Let the fun begin!

Last Day in the Navy

Today, April 29th, is officially my last day in the United States Navy. I joined April 29, 2001 after a friend of mine at Sprint, Mike Macias, introduced me to the Reserves. At the time, I was 38 and needed to sign an age waiver to get in (cut-off is 36). I was still in good shape and knew I could compete physically with anyone in the Navy.

My oldest daughter, Erin, had entered the Navy a year earlier and her mother and I were separated and looking at divorce. I had always wanted to go into the military and I thought, "if I don't do it now, this will pass me by and I won't get another chance." My grandfather, Melvin Lusby, had flown in the Air Force during WWII, my then Father-in-Law Ed Becker had been a Corpman during the Korean War, my dad, Marden "Curlee" Elkins was enlisted in the Air Force during Vietnam stationed in CA, my brother Jeff had spent time in Germany while in the Army and my brother Derek had enlisted in the Air Force - this was my time.

My intent was to go 20 years (I would have been 58 when I was able to retire) and then two years later have access to that retirement. Funny how your perspective changes as you get older.

Looking back over my short Navy Career:

• I enlisted for 8 years (April 29, 2001) as an Information Technology Specialist (the old Radioman), Petty Officer 3rd Class
• I was still in Navy Indoctrination when 911 happened
• Attended Reserve bootcamp at Great Lakes, IL in January 2002
• I joined Military Sealift Command, ROK (Republic of Korea) following bootcamp
• I transferred to Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 114 in October 2002 after I got tired of sitting in a classroom during my Reserve weekends - this is NOT why I joined the Navy
• MIUWU 114 was given orders to deploy to the Middle East (Kuwait/Iraq) right after I joined. I needed 30 drills INCONUS (inside the continental US) to deploy with the unit - I spent the next 30 days at Whiteman AFB getting my time in - THIS is why I joined the military!
• We processed into active duty in San Diego before heading to Kuwait for staging 12/5/2002
• We moved into Iraq two days after the war began to secure the port of UmmQasar for the humanitarian ship to offload their supplies and send them to Baghdad via railway. We took fire from a pair of snipers as we were entering the town
• I returned home from my first tour in early June, 2003
• I participated in war-games in South Korea in March, 2005
• I returned for my 2nd tour to Kuwait for a 14 month deployment in March, 2006 - this was nothing more than a babysitting assignment...very unproductive!
• I leave the Navy with 16 ribbons/medals, numerous commendations and an Expeditionary Warfare pin. I leave as an E5, Petty Officer 2nd Class

I have enjoyed the Navy. I have made some life-long friends who would do anything for me. This time in my life has taught me a respect for our country, our freedom and what America was founded upon - Service to Country! As I continue through my life, I will foster the mantra of the Navy and walk it in my daily life: Honor, Courage, Commitment!

Hoo Yah!

Very Emotional Week

Thanks, so much, to everyone who has been in prayer for my family...my Aunt Pam greatly appreciates the thoughts & prayers. It has been a difficult week to say the least. My Aunt and cousins lost a very intricate part of their lives this last week...Larry will be missed in many different ways to each of us.

My former pastor and good friend, Charles Turner, joined me for the Royal's game this last week against the Cleveland Indians. Chuck & I had a great time of fellowship and really enjoyed the game (it helped to get my mind off the troubles with my uncle). The Royals' squandered a number of opportunities to score and eventually lost the game, but it was wonderful to spend the time with Bro. Charles. We are planning to get Chuck, his son's James and Paul (when Paul will be in town) and I together for a game later this summer...now, that'll be a good time!

Shallen had her Senior Prom on Saturday night. She attendedwith her boyfriend Cory and they both looked great. Shallen, with three of her friends and their dates, rented a limo for the evening. The Prom was held at the Arrowhead Club at Chief's Stadium. The kids all ate at Feilio's on the Plaza (I was told the food was pretty good). This is Shallen's last dance before she graduates on May 9th...she is extremely excited about finishing this part of her life and looking forward to the next chapter.

Stephan had a very difficult week: not only did he lose his Great-Uncle Larry, he also lost a good friend from his school and class, Tanner. Tanner was involved in a car accident when his girlfriend was driving them back from Blue Springs to Oak Grove. She lost control of the car and it flipped and went into the on-coming traffic. Another car hit the passenger side where Tanner was still belted in...he died at the accident site. The girlfriend and driver are going to be OK. Stephan attended Tanner's funeral in Oak Grove, then had to drive to Gladstone (about 45 minutes away) to attend his Uncle's funeral. Please keep Stephan in your prayers as he deals with these two tragic losses. He often acts like a tough guy, but he's got a heart as big as can be and it was obvious that it was breaking yesterday.

I'm back at work full-time today since Larry had his heart attack last Tuesday morning. Some things never change - I got slammed with projects this morning when I came in. Luckily, I come in about an hour ahead of anyone else on my team - that gave me a little time to get my arms around everything before the questioning started. It's good to work with a good group of people. My boss stopped by my office this morning to make sure I was OK and everything was going OK for my Aunt Pam...Tim's a really good guy. Pam is continuing to deal with her knee surgery and hopefully the physical therapy will keep her busy enough over the next couple of weeks so she doesn't just sit around and dwell on her loss.