Stuck at BTC again DEC 14 11:30am

Well here I am again. waiting to get out of BTC Bagdad. I will know in a1 hour if I fly today or not. The first flight the one at 4am was full. Since I'm going home for good I am lowest priority. At least there are two flights today so it increases my chances. I cant believe how fast this year has gone. Now that it is over it seems like it went by so fast. This has been such a great oppertunity for me. God has made his presence in my life know on so many occasions I cant count or remember them all. Our church was the same here as it is at home. (except most everyone here has a gun with the) Some nights we only had 5 people in Sacrament but it still was the same as at home. The Spirit was always strong. Most of the locals I have meet here are very glad we are here. They have been so gracious. They do not like Sadams name being mentioned at all. They say it honers him evan when speaking ill of him. They hate talking about Iraq when it was under his thumb as well. Someone is going to have a tough time writing history books. Iraq has so much bible history it is ashame we cant tour. I truly hope these people find some sort of peace. It would be nice to see a free Iraq. This area has been at war so long I'm not
sure they know what peace is. I know our military is setting a great example. We are blessed to have such great men and women serving our country. Iraq is nothing like they talk about on the news. When I listen to the news I wounder if there is a diffrent Iraq than the one I am in. I have no idea what is next for me but no matter what I know my life will be alot easier than 99% of the people around the world. I hope to remember that and be greatfull for what I have.
Hope to be home soon
LOVE
Jim

Heading Home

Well today my trip home begins. It's a bunch of paper work and a bunch of good byes. I can't believe my year is up. It has gone by so fast.This has been such a privlige to work with our fantastic military for the last year. We are truly privlidged to have such a great group of people representing our great nation. My great adventure started out slow but is going out with a bang. I had the oppertunity to spend the day off base. ( a non sanctioned trip ok I snuck off ) and we have been getting mortered every day almost. One blew debri onto the building I was in it hit so close. When I get back I will be posting many pictures. All I can think about now is getting back. My next trip will be a west coast trip. In the mean time I will be chasing my grandchildren all around. Iraq is not anything like I expected. I was stunned at how friendly the people were. Iraq need so much infrastructure work they will be building for years, evan if all goes smooth. They have 1 hour of electricity 4 without. There are no roads leading to peoples homes. This place need all the prays it can get. I hope someday I can return and visit a friendly safe Iraq. There is so much history here it is sad not be able to see it. There are old ruins that date back to more than 2500 years. Well I have to go clean and do laundry to get ready for my trip. I cant wait to see everyone espacially my wounderfull Wife. Oh and rotten puppies.
All my love
Jimmy

DEC 15th JJBGA Ends

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted. I have been so lazy. Not to much happens so I have not posted. I have been called to be a sunday school teacher, and my wounderful wife is now the relief society president. HUUUUMMM maby stuff is going on. Well I cant wait. My contract ends on dec 2nd. LSI's contract ends dec 30th. And today I gave notice I want to be home no later dec15th. I truly appericat the oppertunity to be here but it is time to go home. Unless I get the air traffic controller job in Kosavo. I'm not holding my breath. Since the last time I was in ATC the Wright Brothers flew for the first time. This has been a great experance and a real privlage to see how our great men and women in the military conduct themselfs. This place needs all the prays it can get. We have a new President and I wish him the best of luck. Going home is all I can think about now. And I can't wait to get there. Home looks alot diffrent now than it did when I left and the economy is hurtin. But that can only help the auto repair business. I will be a shop owner and face a hole new set of challnages. But I'm sure I'm on the path God has chosen for me. And being home with my wounderful wife and her support should make the transition easy. I really don't want to be away from her and the puppies and the grandchildren again. Steph is kind of mean and I have enjoyed the safty the distance has brought me. I can't wait to get home and buy Jerami a BB gun and a dirt bike. OOPPPPssss I should not have said that. I mean buy Elaina a dirt bike and BB gun. No wait forget I said that I would get in trouble. Steph has a bad attitiude.
Any I'm looking forward to getting home. And hope I will be home for good. (Unless Steph's attitude kicks up) Phil and Anna need to have kids so I can aggravate them as well. And corrupt there kids to. I'm so glad is did this but it is time to go home. And the best part is I will be home for Christmas. I can't wait to see everyone.
Love Jim

Be Not Afraid

Yesterday was probably the best of my Sabbath days that I can remember. Our Sacrament Hymn set the mood: A thought came to my mind, Have we magnified our Fathers Will? I proceeded to sing these words: Behold the great Redeemer die, a broken law to satisfy. He dies a sacrifice for sin, that man may live and glory win. While guilty men his pains deride. Although in agony he hung, no murmuring word escaped his tongue. His high commission to fulfill. He magnified his Fathers will. He dies a sacrifice for our sins. Oh how we are so truly Blessed as a people of this Great Nation!!

I was reminded that our Leaders in our stake have not only been chosen but they themselves have chosen to live their lives in such a way so that they may lead us buy the spirit.

And as I tried to follow the scriptures that this speaker spoke about, it happened. I was taken to the scripture that at this time My kind and gracious Father gave me the message I most needed to hear:

Mosiah 4:27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run raster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the price; therefore, all things must be done in order.

For my testimony is that Jesus is the Christ and I belong to the true church where the priesthood once again is on this earth and that I am grateful for a young man, a prophet of God Joseph Smith who was brave and diligent enough to restore the gospel for all those who seek the truth and knowledge and that we are still blessed today to have a living Prophet Thomas S Monson to lead and guide us in these latter days so we can return to our Heavenly Father. I hope and I pray that we will continue to seek this knowledge and become worthy to work in Gods Temples and help complete thy work. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

the tree is gone

some more on the tree

Snapped it like a toothpick. they say winds got up to 75mph.

Well, Jimmy wanted to change the pool and design of the yard anyway. He needs to stop mentioning the changes he wants to make. First it was the roof and siding so God sent hail, now the pool and deck so God sent a very thirsty tree.....

Thirsty tree

Imagine the suprise on Sunday when the puppies and I woke up from our nap! A friend of ours accused our trees of being thirsty!

Making adjustments

Well, here we are again, separated by thousand of miles....but you know just knowing that all is temporary and change is always around the corner I have this calmness about and around me. Search, ponder and pray. An all to familiar phrase for me and Jimmy and we have learned to wear it well. I miss him so but with greater admiration than even yesterday. I have to say this is a good way to miss him, that is with great admiration. I found this scripture this last week and thought it is something that needed to be shared. This is what makes us, our character our being:
Mosiah 3:19 "For the natural man is an enemy of God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." These are all traits of a person of good character but with more added choice. That choice is to listen to the spirit. But you must be able to know when it is of the Holy Spirit and not of Satan. He to roams this earth and is not a spirit of choice. He is not a spirit of good character. So keep going towards the joy, peace, and quiet tranquility. For that is the light of Christ. The world is loud and does not want you to hear. The world is selfish and does not want you to be in service of others for you would be in service of our Lord.

I miss most of all having the man of my dreams, the spiritual giant, in my home leading me and guiding me, strengthening me, lifting me. But because of his great character he is in the service of his Lord and serving others where he is needed at this moment. What a tremendous blessing and opportunity to share his talents, his joy, his peace. He is my description of valiant.

We had such fun his 12 days home. We played everyday until we were exhausted, we ate more than we should and enjoyed the company of many friends. Spent a couple of days at the Temple and enjoyed to Sundays together at church.

spending time with the children and children's children. (I always wanted to say that) Grandparents ROCK. It is a good place to be in life.

Boy Did That Go Fast

Well here I am at the BTC Bagdad. My least favorite place to be stuck. The 12 days at home seemed to go by so fast. This is my last stretch. Dec 2nd is when my contract ends. It seems so far off. I still dont know if I will extend for another year. Or if I will evan have a job when I finally get back to base. If security is important in a job this is a bad choice. My R&R was so nice. I went skeet shooting for the first time. I did really well. Dina turns out to be a great shot. I will have to reconsider making her mad in the future. I had lots of church activitys, which i really needed. Now I am back to this place. I Get back to my base tomorrow if all goes well. Once I get back into the rythim my last few months will hopefully go by quick. I keep seeing real improvements here. Bagdad airport looks like an airport. It evan had a pa system. The A/C was evan turned on. lots of local people are using it. We still cant take pictures of it. But it has been rebuilt and looks pretty good. I saw bus service running to it for the local people. They still have a long way to go but there are signs of real progress. I hope after all the loss of life and pain and suffering there will be some peace for this place. They have been a war 2000 years Let all pray they are willing to try a new way. I am off to find something to do I have all day. There is not much around here but I will find somthing. Sadam built a flinstone replica community for his kids I hope to find it and get some pictures. I think we can tour one of the places. I will see
Love Jim

Homeward Bound Part 2

Well tomorrow I go home again. It seems like I just got back. So much has changed. Some of our very best friends have moved away. Steve, Holly and all 6 kids have been with Dina since we joined the church. And they have blessed us in so many ways. ( like the really nice grill they gave me when they left )They will be greatly missed. And my wounderful wife has remodeled the house. The surge troops are leaving and I may or may not have a job when I get back. This palce has been so HOT. And crawling around in the back of closded up vehicles is evan worse. My sister Cindy and her son LJ are on a great course. I hope to finish my contract but I will go were God wants me the most. This is truly a great experance. And what ever happens I am so glad I did this. I was talking to a local Iraqi Christian. I complain beacuse church does not start at the time I like. After his church is over some of the men have to go out and check the cars for bombs and the immediate area for gunmen that want to kill Christians. They only have 4-6 hours of electricty a day and high speed internet to them is 126kb a second. Once again I was humbled and realized just how good we have it. I wounder how long I can rember and appericat what I have after I get back. The scriptures are full of peoples that achived great status and fell beacuse they forget to give thanks to God for what they have. I have been writing in my journal, not as much as I should but hopefully enough. We seem to be coming to some sort of a draw down and soon it will be up to the Iraqi people as to what path they choose. I pray everyday they choose a path of peace and prosperity. So many brave people have paid the ultimate sacrafice, we all need to pray for them and there family. Off to packing and preparing I go.
All my love
Jimmyjoebob

Boy Have I been Lazy

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted. The weather has been a perfect 140 -150 degrees. When the wind blows it feels like it is coming out of a blow dryer. The dust storms are coming all the time. We are of course very busy. There is an endless parade of strang vehicles coming into the shop to get the ac fixed. Some times the ac system is hard to find much less repair. These are the months we earn our keep. I come home aug 14th for 11 days. From what I hear I wont recognize the house. My wife is out of control. From what I hear she is doing a great job. I may be here for 100 more years to pay for everythng. I still like being here for some reason. I miss home and my friends and family so much. My poor puppies are probably being mis treated. They are probably on a diet. When I get back aug 26 I will have less than 100 days left on this contract. I cant wait to see what the future brings. I have over 8 gigs of pictures and videos of Iraq. I am not sure what I can post and what will get me in trouble. Anyone can email me and I will work out some way of getting copys of what I have.
Jim my P51 seems to have more than a slight glitch. Seeing its completly disassembled. It did not look like it had a part on it. I was more worried about my corsair, but it looks like your hands are full. I hope to get more flying in this time around. At least night flying. I have been able to go to church pretty consistantly. That is the saving grace. This place can be very tough on the spiritual side of things. Well I should be able to post again soon. If the computer I bought had not got lost in the mail I would have internet in my room. It may still show up but I am not holding my breath. Hope to see everyone soon
Love Jimmjoebob

Back at Base

Well I'm Back

It is so nice to be back. The weather is a perfect 115+. There is a lite 20mph breeze, that feels like it is comming from a blow dryer. The sand stormes are every few days, and we are really picking up at work. At least the days are going by much faster. I took to much time off from the gym and boy am I paying the price for it. Yesterday was my wounderful wifes birthday. Every time I called her she sure sounded like she was having fun. The least she could have done is pretended like she missed me. A simple I'm sorry you are in Iraq while I am living it up. Would have been good. I'm just kidding I am very greatful we have such great friends.
I'm not sure who I feel more sorry for. Brandon, after I tell the girls I bought them a puppy but mean old dad said they cant have it. Or some random idiot that bought all the tools off ebay. when he finds out they come with a million phone calls a day and JJ with his 5 out of control kids and Beverly Hills Hillbillys Suburban he will be trying to pay Brandon to take them back. I of course can finally come home and relax. This is great I dont have to hide in Iraq any more. I wish I knew it was this easy 6 months ago. Please dont forget the spare set that is still in my garage. Just dont make excuses for why my corsair is not finished when I get home aug 15th
We had a rough week this week 3 soldiers from one of our small out lying bases were killed in a fire fight. the guys who shot them were wounded but the medics and quick acting medivac pilots were able to save the shooters. I guess that is what seperates us from them. But our soldiers are returning to there Heavenly Home while the bad guys recover in our hospital at our expense. I dont pretend to understand, but I think it is amazing that after they shot and killed our men the other that were there saved there lives. If we win this and bring a freedom here It wont be beacuse of the brilliant planning of our or the Iraqi goverment. It will be beacuse of the increadable example that our soldiers set every day in the field. We need to pray for all of them.
I hope all is well with everyone back home. I miss everyone so
Love Jim

Bagdad 2:45am

Boy did that 10 days go fast. I cant believe it is already over and I'm on the go again. I'm stuck in Bagdad there are no flights to were I am going till friday. (it is 2:45am thursday) There are no words to express how greatful I am for everything everyone has done for Dina and I. I was stunned to how nice my house and garage looked. And how many people came to my party. It was so nice to see everyone. The comfort so many provide for Dina Provides so much for me as well. My poor puppies looked like they are starving. Except for the 50 extra pounds they have around there belly they look like they dont eat. Iraq does not look any diffrent. It is still just dirt. The people here have a long road ahead of them. Getting over years of bitter fighting will not be easy. I had the oppertunity while I was at home to do some fenceing mending of my own. It was long over due. Some times admitting when your wrong is harder than you think. I had not talked to my friends Wynn and Tamar for many years. I really missed them but was to pridefull to step up and due the right thing. I'm very greatful that I have such forgiving friends. I have learned being 6000 miles away and in my old age good friends are few and far between. Pride is not a good friend or comforting when you are alone. I am half way done with my contract almost. I was so sure I was going to do a second year. Now all I want is to get home to my wounderful wife for good. I'm still very appericative for the oppertunity God has given me to come here and learn and see how lucky we are to live in America. I will be praying in the future that I really appericat my country and life that I live. Compared to so many around the world we have so much. Well I am going to try and go back to sleep. I have a 7am meeting just to tell me I'm not flying today. I already know that. But I want to thank everyone who has done so much for Dina and I words can not express the gratitude I feel for all that has been done.
LOVE Jim

Homeward Bound

Here I am waiting for my flight. I leave Kirkuk go to Bagdad than to Doubi than Alanta than finally Louisville. I cant wait to see home. I am almost half way done (if i dont extend) with my adventure. It is nothing like I anticipated it would be. However right now all I can think about is home and my wounderful wife. (well my rotton dogs) I will only have 10 days, but boy am I looking forward to being home. I cant wait to go to my church. And I know my puppies will have lots of complaining to do. Dina is now Elaina's favorite and I need to get back in the number one position. I'm thinking a shopping trip, the park, what ever she wants. Maby she want a new puppy. Oh well what ever it takes. For the next 24 hours I will be flying or switching planes. I hear we have a great party planned. I am so looking forward to it. I evan get to attend a Baptisim. This will be a nice break. Wow they are already calling us. HOME I GO
Love Jim

Gratitude

"Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence."

This made me think of my Jimmie. I am forever grateful to my husband!!!

It has been so long since I have blogged, I am ashamed :-(. We have been busy at the Smith home. We have gone from having to get a new water heater to my deal of the century of a new couch. But of course Quigley is still mourning from the loss of his old couch.

We have made it through Christmas, Valentines, Easter and lets not forget Elena Kennedy's Birthday. General Conference was just Divine and I received much needed comfort from. Which leads me back to that Gratitude thing. I am so grateful for having the gospel in our lives. For having the Priesthood restored here on earth. To have a Prophet, a revelator and a seer. I am grateful for the relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Husband's relationship with Heavenly Father. You know I could not do what I do as well as I do without the strength of my Husband. Jimmie you have taught me well :-)

We are planning a Day of work here at the house. Jimmie Darrell is in charge so do not worry. We are going to concentrate on the family room. He is going to help me finish the molding and columns. I am so excited to have the help.

Most of all I am counting the days. I am so looking forward to having you home. Hopefully the dogs will share.

Luv Ya

Giirrlll

JJB's Great Brake. 15 days and counting

Well I have been at the new base 1 month. This has been an intresting month. The questions about the church never end. Which is a good thing. My new nick name is the Storming Mormon. I never bring up the church since it is agnist the rules. But it come up constantly. What is really cool is I have given out a 1 Book of Mormon and one of the other guys wants a copy of my audio version. 2 in one month thats my best record. My boss is a member that has fallen away. Ever since he found out I was a member we have had many talks. I think he is starting to remember. He came here close to the first invasion. Things were tough and I guess he drifted away. I am starting to see the reason I was sent here. I knew there would be a catch to me getting the promotion. This seems like a strange place to be doing missionary work, especialy considering the type of guys I work with. Oh wait when the missionarys walked up my dirveway I was at least as bad as anyone of them. I am so greatful to be here and have the oppertunity that I have. This base evan has a Sacrament meeting I can actually make. There seem to more members evan though this is a much samller base. I still miss home but this is a much easier place to be.
Abe I did not know there was another way to stop one of those trucks. I prefer the hard object method. Let me know as soon as it hits the wall. I have wanted the 4tec nitro car for a while. I can order it right away and have it for when I get home. Oh wait Dina reads this blog. I mean AAAAHhhhhhhhhuuuuummmmmmmmm. that would be a bummer if aaaa it hit a wall.
I come home in just over 2 weeks. I have 10 days. I CANT WAIT. It sounds like we have a big party planned. I am pretty sure the time will go by fast. I have lots of pictures. I have been getting them from anyone who will give them to me. This place is big mess. Some of the pictures from town reflect it. However I dont have any pictures that show Iraqi people being afrade of our solders. Evan when our solders are busy working. They let the little kids crawl all over the vehicles all over the soldiers. In one pictur there are abunch of kids getting there picturs taken with solders and one of the kids is sticking his finger up the barrel of the solders gun. What ever you think of the war it is truly an honer to be represented by such great men and women. We truly are a Blessed nation.
All my love Jimmyjoebob

New Base New Adventure

Well here I am at the new base. It is very diffrent. I was so far out in the middle of no were That evan the insurgents felt sorry for us. Now the city of Kirkuk is right outside one of the borders of the base. I can see the city clearly. I get radio sations from there. I dont understand a single word the say but I get the stations. I really like this base alot better. I had a great experance today. The guys I work with found out I was Mormon. At first they seemed to be shook up. But today at work one of the guys asked me to ansure a list of questions his wife had for me. Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen. This was a welcome change of conversation from hookers, alcohol, and cheating wifes and husbands. They evan seemed to stop swearing for the conversation. We ran out of time before he ran out of questions and they plan to team up on me again tomorrow. The best Part of my trip so far was when the said there was something diffrent about me. I explained I need to be a symble for our church and while I make mistakes I try my best. This is turning out to be a great adventure after all. It is funny that I was not nervus at all, evan when everyone stopped and gathered around to hear my ansures. The Spirit was with me and I knew it.
Dina make sure Phillip does not get ahold of any of our accounts. He seems to be ordering computers and big screen TV's. Elaina needs all our spare money to buy dirt bikes, and quads. She may need other stuff like computers and big screen TV's. Mr. Quiggles has needs to and we dont want Phillip to suck up the cash.
I come next month. I cant wait. It will only be 10 days. But I will be at home. I am really gald I came here but I reallly miss being home. Holly has not posted in a while I hope all is well. The kids will be so sorry when I get home. No more Mr. Nice guy. It will be all rules. And by the book. I just havent written the book yet. I will post again soon
Love Jimmy

A Great Day In JJB's G A

Well today was a day God made his presents felt. I got a promotion that was a 1 in a 1000000 shot. I have to be here 90 days before I am evan elageable for promotion. I applied to a diffrent base at 85 days. I got the promotion 5 days ago I wish they had told me. Management kept asking me when I was leaving. I told them I did not know I was. I will be going to Kirkuk. ( I am not sure i spelled that right ) We have a sayng were I work. ( they call were I work the Cove ) "What goes to the Cove stays in the cove" Everyone says you have to be here a year at least to get out. I prayed for this promotion and God gave it to me. The new base should be a little more lively. And it is significently more money. I am really excited about this. This will open up a hole new chapter in JJB's GA. And hopefully a little more interesting one. I am truly thankful for this oppertunity.
My mommy did such a great job when she posted. I was very touched. It was not what I had in mind for me either but this is were I belong. When I met My wounderful wife I told her " I am NOT moving to Kentucky and definetly NOT becoming Mormon" Moral of the story, If you want to make God Laugh tell him your plans.
Cindy I am just as mentaly unstable as I have ever been. I am just older and slower. It takes me longer to get to were the trouble is. By the time I get there I have time to rethink what I am doing. Ok so I chicken out. But it is not that I dont try and do the crazy stuff that everyone has grown to expect. I just lack the necessary ambition. Holly I always appericat your post. It was so nice when I got the box with all the card from the kids in it. Tell them they are in BIG trouble when I get home. I have had no one to pick on.
Phillip the Marines walk around here all day long with M249's straped to there side. There are 100's of them. But boy do they get an attude when I ask them for one. I tell them my son wants a sovenier. They just dont seem to be sold on the idea. They would not loan me an F18, or an abrams tank either. It is kind of hard to argue with a guy holding a M249. You may have to settle for dirt or dirt. Or maby some Iraqi money with Sadam on it. It is not worth the paper it is printed on.
Dina Stop picking on my puppies. I will be home in may and they will tell me all the mean things you do. Those poor babies dont like the new rules. I can't wait to get home. I really miss you and Kentucky ( evan though I will never move to Kentucky ) Being here makes me realize how blessed we are. We have so much to be thankful for. My goal is to be more appericative of what God has given us. I appericat you most of all. I hear so many sob stories here. I love you and thank God for you.
My next post should be from another base. I miss everyone so.
All my LOVE Jimmy

90 Days In JJB's GA

Well I have been gone 90 days now. What have I learned so far. Iraq is mostly dirt. Iraq has a unique odor that is not all that plesant. The flys are ruthless. And they are not evan out in full swing. Winter is freezing and it snows. It is only march and it is already starting to get HOT. I find my self all the time thinking " what was I thinking????" I am still thankful for the oppertunity to be here. I am more thankful everyday that home is the United States of America. I talk to our troops everyday and walk away think we are privliged as a nation to have such great men and women defending us. They know bombs and guns won't provide education which it the only way to achieve freedom and peace. They all say the same thing when I ask what they want to remember most. They talk about the schools they built, the play grounds they put were insurgents used to keep victims. They talk about how when the American flag shows up People Run to it. We are still the beacon of hope. People run up to our troop evan when it is a bad idea. Like when they are conducting combat operations. Imagine walking around with a loaded gun look for bad guys to kill, and having locals run up and ask them to help the sick children, or the kids wanting candy, or a hole list of other things. I am not sure what is more amazing that people would run up to our troops while they are on a combat mission or that the troops stop and help. The example they set is probably what will achieve final peace if it is to be achived. I hope Dina and I can some day return here as teachers. And that we will have the chance to teach the talants the God gave us so richly. If not here I am hoping to go somewere were we can put our talant to work. I have applied for every promotion that is at a diffrent base. I hope I can travle around to more interesting bases. But I will go were God wants me.
May is now 2 months away. I really am looking forward to going home for 10 days. My puppies need attention. Dina picks on them all the time. They have rules and eat dog food. The poor babies I think they are losing weight. My grand babies need someone to pick one them. I am scared of Steph so I will duck and cover were she is concerned. Phillip and Anna have to be straghtned out to. They have problems. I love and miss everyone so espacially My wounderful wife Dina (AKA Chickenlittle)

All my love Jim

Valintine's Day in JJB'sGA

The bridge builder is one of my favorite poems. And my favorite wife sending it to me makes it evan better. I really appericate the meaning behind it. There are many people with many diffrent reasons some good some bad for what we are doing here, But we are here and in the end I hope we build a bridge to freedom for some poeple who have never had it. This area of the world is in despret need of peace and understanding. Its not the only place but it is a start. Well I learned somthing new this week. I got the Iraqi krud. Its like a cold on steroids. It takes the fun out of being here. (fun?????????) It is good to see my puppies having a great time. Dusty loves the snow. Mr.Quiggles would prefer a steak. I hear he has been forced to eat dog food. How Rude. I am shocked to find out he new what it is. Valintines day here was about as fun as you think it would be. It was dirt dirt and more dirt. They baked a big heart shaped cake, that was fun to eat with a bunch of guys. I get to go home May 8 for 10 days. I am looking forward to it. Hey Phil I may be old and moldy but................... You know i just ran out of a thought. I was going to slam you but the brain just went on break.
Marlyn sure sounds like you are moving around. Vegas, Texas, Mom, Cindy. Dad has not emailed me in a long time. Send him my love. Does he know how to get on the blog? I dont have a current email adress for him. the ones I have come back. My mail adress is on the top of the blog. that is were I have to look every time I need. Dina is so smart she knew I did not know were I live.
I still feel like a truck ran me over I will post again soon.
I want to Thank everyone especially My lovely wife for all the comments and the encouragement I get. It means more to me than I can say. I take time everyday to read the scriptures. I have gained a hole new apperication for my many blessings I have been given. Cindy one thing I want to point out. I have been involved in many projects through the church, katrina, project warm as well as many individual familys. We have never ask nor do we care what church the people belong to. We step to the plate and help Beacuse it is the right thing to do. It says it the scriptures When You are in the service or Your fellow man You are in only in the service of the Lord. That is not an exact quote but it is very close. The President of our church that just died said "Our lives are the symble of our church" I hope to be the correct symble. Presidently Hinkley was a fantastic example and a great symble. Our next leader will be as well.
All my Love
Jimmy
P.S. Mr. Quiggles looks awfuly skinny. Maby you should take him to OUTBACK

Happy Valentines Day!!!

What a wonderful day, full of fun and suprises.

It has been a little on the cold side these days but it never stops the puppies from fun. They are quite excited about the snow. On with the chase!!!! We have stinky girl just being cute and then Quigley being a typical boy.

The Bridge Builder

To My Jimmie:

An old man, going a lone highway, Came at the evening, cold and gray, To a chasm, vast and deep and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim; The sullen stream had no fears for him; But he turned when safe on the other side And built a bridge to span the tide. “Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near, “You are wasting strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day; You never again must pass this way; You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide— Why build you the bridge at the eventide?” The builder lifted his old gray head: “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said, “There followeth after me today A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm that has been naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.”1by: Will Allen Dromgole

I know this is your favorite and it was part of the messege last month and I found great strength agian from our leaders of our Church. President Monson went on to say that Jesus our Savior, because of the atonement completed the final bridge of our trilogy: the bridge of obedience, the bridge of service, the bridge of prayer.

Oh but wait there is ore, as I continue to read because I can not sleep. As I think of the sacrafice my Jimmie is making another messege is delivered to me by another great leader of our Church, President Packer said. "that he witnessed first hand the protecting power of obedience in the lives of missionaries (which by the way is all of us)He taught that obedience is the precondition attached to this preotecting power. (the holy ghost) He dontinues tosay if we follow the simple rules of the gospel, the commandments, and really listen, always listen the holy ghost will be with us, guide us, protect us, always warn us. We must pray always and listen always. It is obedience!!! This patternis the pattern of teh Latter-day Saint. You wer confiremed a member to the Church, and you had conferred upon you the gift of the Holy Ghost to be a guide and a companion to you. Among the merciful blessings given by God to his Latter-day Saints is the commandment to pay heed to His Living prophets. "I Beleive, "said President Gordon B Hinkley, "that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of god....he will open a way even where there appears to be no way." from Wm Oswald Jan 08 Ensign.

Jimmie these were both great messeges for me and you have often shared them with me over the years. It was a real blessing for me to read them and have the ring of what you have taught me.

We are being obedient and we are being blessed for this. Thank you for being you and loving me the way you do. I love and miss you deeply. Your Wife

Someone's Birthday

It seems like it is someones birthday. But I can't remember whos. Jerami no, Elaina no (But I should buy her stuff anyway) Steph no, (if i forgot hers i would be bleeding) AAron HUMMMM He may need a CBR 1000rr. Darious no. oh well it will come to me later. All is the same here. It snowed again yesterday. We have been boored during the day. there is no work. I can't wait (It's not My lovely wifes birthday?????????) till summer gets here. We should be alot busier. the days (is it mr quiggles no??????) seem to drag on. I have sent a hole bunch of pictures home. They should (maby Miss Dusty?????no)be getting there in about 7 days or so. There is a thumb dirve a cd and a dvd as well as a camera full. If anyone wants (the kittys were born in spring.?????) a copy I will happily voulinteer my wife to make copies. I know I need to shop for someone. But I can't rember who. In thirty days I will hit my 90 day mark. Than I can start applying for other jobs in the theater. The one I have now is just to booring. I hope I can find something a little more lively than Camp Cup Cake. I am thankful I have this oppertunity, I dont mean to sound ungratefull. But evan the soldiers I talk to are getting boored. I think the insurgents feel sorry for us. They laugh at those poor losers out in the middle of no were. Hey Aubrion if you can help me remember whos birthday it is please do so. I need to shop for someone you need to help me remember who. Anyway I am off to go install some sataliet tv's.
All my Love jim-

Almostt Month 2 in JJB"S GA

Well as month 2 comes to a close, I find myself waiting for month 12. However today I was finally able to get the times straght when the members get together. I was actually able to attend a meeting tonight. That made it a great night. With the passing of President Hinkley I find myself pondering the many blessings I as an individual and America as a country have been given. We have been blessed with so many great leaders. Our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independance with thousands of troups in the harbor ready to kill them. Than they were able to fight it out with each other and come up with the Constatution. They were not perfect,but men are not perfect and wont be anytime soon. They were good enough for a modern day Profit to be born and begin the final desponsation. Most of our goverment leaders did a miraculous job with the problems they were faced with. The leaders of our church all did miricles in there lifetime which brought the church to were we are today. We truly do God's work. With the grace of God America as a nation and the Church of Jeasus Christ and of Latterday Saints both go forward indipendintly of one another and Feed, cloth, and educate people all over the world. When Americans are asked for help we give more than is required. When are chrurch leaders talk about a service project or someone in need more then is required step up happily. Presidently Hinkley once said
our lives are the symbol of our church. Presidently Hinkley's life was the Purest example of the symbol. He is now back in our Heavenly Home with his wife he missed so much. I am very happy for him. For the rest of poor people still on trile down here we still have to remember Chose The Right and Endure to the End. And some day with our familys we will see him again. I have a new question I will ask myself every night "did I Talk to someone about the gospel today?". I am so thankful for the people who talked to me.
Love Jim

Another Day In JJB'sGA

Well what a GREAT day. It started when I got up and read the blog. The Grandbabies really made me laugh. SNOW Is the best time to ride the Quad. QUIT BEING SO MEAN. Tell AAron to take the baffle out of the air cleaner it will double the speed. As for the cheap flattery from Abrion and Elaina do you think I am That easy. Your right just give me a shopping list and I will fill it. Gold can come in bracelets, earings, necklesses. bangles, or all of the above. And prestents for the baby. WHAT ever she wants. Esepecially if it makes noise and drives mom and dad and nanna NUTS. What can I say I am weak.
Everythng is going about the same. We are getting more work. What we do do is kind of fun. I just wish we had more to do. I have been doing a lot of reading. I am even starting to enjoy it. One of the guys I work with and I have started a Satilite tv Installition business. We get lots of work and it give me money to fill the grandbabies list of stuff. It seem we are the only ones that can line them up. I will write more later customers are waiting.
JIMMY

Adventure a bore

Well so far the most exciting part of this is, My mommy was able to post a comment. It only took 35 people and 3000 hrs of instructions but it happend. YEA MOM. Now send me treats. Now that I know you can do this I will be placing my orders for treats on the blog. Thanks mom. As for the rest of my family THINK POSTEM.
Kraft has stopped making it. So if it is on the shelf that is all that is left. The weather is FREEZING at night and pretty nice during the day. We are still boored but I found out something new. I can read. Imagine my suprise. I have been reading books. And not just the ones with pictures. Actuall history books. I was stunned to find out I could actually be boored enough to sit still and read a book. I dont want to make anyone nervious about the end of the world or anythig but it snowed in Hell last week and I am sitting still and reading books on the constitution, and the decliration of indipendance. I evan several others lined up. This is truly scary times.
I still really am really glad I came. I will be evan happier to get home. Time seems to be going fast. I really enjoy the pictures that have been posted. Marlyn I was waiting to see some pictures of Hawaii. The big joke around here is when we ask each other. "Are we in Hawaii or the Bahamas?" we got confused at the airport. We should have been carful we could have ended up in Iraq or something terrable like that. I will post again soon.
All my Love Jim
P.S. Dina stop picking on my puppies

Adventure????????????????????????

Ok today I hit rock bottom. I cant believe that I am in Iraq and Nothing exciting ever happens. So this has mostly been a big Yawn. After hearing how risky things are and the people dont like us, and the heat is misrable and all the other garbage I was hearing. The riskiest part of my day is getting out of my bed at 4:15am. I am still in a coma. The Iraqs I meet are alot of fun. They love getting there pictures taken with us. And today it SNOWED. All my hopes and dreams of excitment are crushed. The way is sounded in the job application was very diffrent. But I guess If the would have said. Job opening in Iraq qualified canidate would be able to Stay awake for 12 hours a day with nothing to do, Willing to use .00001% of there talent, Withstand the lafter of there friends when they find out your in camp cup cake, and feel good about sucking up a check that you did absolutly nothing to earn, Please Apply. I may have had a diffrent outlook. I am happy to be here, It gives me more reason to appericate the country that God Blessed and I live in. I get lots of time to read scriptures, so when Dina and I get the chance to go on a mission I will actually know somethng. I know that My lovely Wife is having a hard time as well. This is a learning experance for both of us. I pray we both appericat all that we have more when I return home. We have been greatly blessed with friends whom always help and familys that support our decesions. (2 perfect puppies) and our health. We have the gospel in our lives, which gives the understanding that there is a reason for all that happens. As I continue on the strange learning curve, I do so knowing that all will work out and there is a reason I am here. In the mean time it is snowing and boaring here at camp cup cake. But I have never been more thankful for the Blessed Nation family, frineds and gospel that sooner or later I will go home to.
Love always Jimmy

jimmyjoebob's great adventure

Well today was the most fun so far. A small crew (including my self) was asked to go to the marine camp were they train the iraqi army. We were not sure we were allowed to be there. We did not care either . Off we went to install a AC/HEAT system. Every thing was going fine until we had to cut power to the electrical box to wire up the new system. ( I prefer to be carful and keep the power on but safty wimps are all around) we traced out the wires so we new what we were cutting power to. Than took an extra step and got the marines involved and told them what we were doing. They said OK. Seconds after we cut the power some VERY Painiced looking marines came up to us and explained that the hole section of the base we were on including the COC (command operations center) did as well. OOOOPPPPSSSI When I walked into the COC there were buzzers and bells going off. Everyone seem to be very nervious. So I asked "are those buzzers and bells the battery backups?" They said "No they are telling us are radios to the guys in the field are not working" OOOOOPPPPPPPSSIIIII
We better get the back up generator working than. After running around in circles for about half and hour and tracing wires we found out the problem had nothing to do with us. That hole section of the camp lost power due to an unrelated problem. We did not have the heart to tell them our stuff worked all along. We were running off a generator. I dont know what they were so worried about. Its not like we are in Iraq in a war zone. Any way the weather here is freezing 30 to 40 at night and around 70 in the day. When the sun goes down the temp goes with it. I hope all is well with everyone
Love Jim

It started with Daises

Today was a busy day!!!! I finally found time to put away Christmas 2007. It was quite a perfect day for this rainy and gray. Listened to some great talks from and Jim and my business and before you new it, it was time for me to prepare to work in the Temple, but first I needed to go and deliver some much needed flowers for some friend's of ours. To bring you up to speed as to why that was my first stop. Yesterday we started out early and were on our way to a qtrly meeting in Frankfort KY with my Real estate Group. Well no sooner did we get the conference room setup and Realtors were piling in when my dear friend gets a call from the school that her Daughter (high school senior) was bleeding from a place she should not. So off she went to tend to her daughter an hour away, by the way. I am sure it felt like an eternity......so the conference went on without a hitch, one of the best we have had in awhile.
Well no sooner did we get back to Louisville same friends mother got the results of her Biopsy from a lump in her breast. The results were not good although they have got it early she will be now seeing a surgeon. All in one day, one family....
So Thank you for Service, I was off to deliver flowers that just happened to fall into my hands from another service evening the night before. Which lead me to what I could do for this other family. It was perfect, we visited and shared the comforts well needed by all three of us. What an amazing feeling, I felt the spirit like so many times before.
Which brings me to the Temple, well I thought I was scheduled to work (laundry for baptism's) which was cancelled and I wasn't even on the schedule anyway. So Sis Hatton whisked me off to the sealing room. As I was listening I realized only in this church you can for a moment be someone else. Many have often thought for a moment in crises or in a daydream have wished for a moment they were not themselves and were someone else. It was a silly thought, but at the same time I thought Today I was many someone else's in the sealing room. For time and all eternity families can be together for ever. What a wonderful gift. What a wonderful work!!!! I was in the service of our Lord today!!!! What great joy I have found today. I am full and I am grateful!!!!

My starving puppies

My starving Puppies If the one the right is smiling he just saw something he wants. They look like they are starving. I have been warning them about Steff and Stupid Rules. They get what they want in the end. I cant believe I turned 26. I dont look that old. It must be the 65 miles I run every day before work. Or the 3 hours I work out in the gym every day. For some reason I cant break that 400 pound bench press limit. Anyway all is the same here at camp cup cake. I am in more danger when I show up at Stephs house with my little puppies than I am in here. So dont worry Sandy. Or anyone else. The only indication I have that I am in Iraq is that I cant go home at night and there strange vehicles in the air and on the road. I still cant believe they sent me "Mr Macho " to camp cup cake. I will up date later thank you all for the birthday wishes and concern. And Cindy dont worry Tom Petty is an antique. He is probably on oxygen when he is not on camera.Jim

Happy Birthday from your Puppies

They wanted you to know, they miss you terribly but they are still running the show and are always first and foremost and everyone is catering to there beck in call!!!!! No worry about us DAD. I am sure they would say that mommy is getting on our nerves and lets not talk about that Stephanie chick, I really do not think she favors the cute cuddly kind if you know what I mean. But HAPPY BIRTHDAY and we really miss you, and can not wait until May 8th is is just not coming fast enough!!

New Years Day Camp Cup Cake

Well it is a new year. I got up this morning and looked around still dirt in all 360 degrees. Yea I am sill in Iraq. This place can get to you. But than I realized (in the middle of feeling sorry for my self) that the people of Iraq are not so fortunate as I. They will not be going home in a year, they still will not have electricty, and many will still be woundering how they will feed the family. Almost 4000 of our braveist have returned to there heavenly home and there familys are left behind. My New Years Resilution is to appericat what I have. And to be grateful for all the blessing including the One Nation Under God that has been givin to me. Lets all pray that the people In Iraq as well as the people in the many other troubled spots around the world find that 2008 will bring some sort of peace to there lifes. And maby evan give them the oppertunity to feel how great the feeling is when they get a chance to give service and help to someone else. I am so thankful for the example my friends and family have set for me. And all the people God has brought into my life. I finally figioured out that 2008 will be what I make it. As were all the other years.
Happy New Year
Jim