Happy Father's Day

The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has an official day on which fathers are honored by their children. On the third Sunday in June, fathers all across the United States are given presents, treated to dinner or otherwise made to feel special. .

The idea for creating a day for children to honor their father began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Having been raised by her father, Henry Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora’s father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Roses are the Father’s Day flowers: red to be worn for a living father and white if the father has died.

Just want to take a moment of your time and wish the most wonderful & courageous man in my life (in case any of you who don't know, that's Tam) a Happy Father's Day. Even though you are, what seems like millions, miles apart, our hearts are field w/nothing but warmth and love for you. Thank you for all you do for your family. Take care, may God bless & we'll see you soon.

Four generations of Duong men. All of which are proud fathers, okay you got me, except the little wee one.

Happy 108th Hospital Corps

The hospital Corpsman Pledge

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and these witnesses to practice faithfully all of my duties as a member of the Hospital Corps. I hold the care of the sick and injured to be a privilege and a sacred trust and will assist the Medical Officer with loyalty and honesty. I will not knowingly permit harm to come to any patient. I will not partake of nor administer any unauthorized medication. I will hold all personal matters pertaining to the private lives of patients in strict confidence. I dedicate my heart, mind and strength to the work before me. I shall do all within my power to show in myself an example of all that is honorable and good throughout my naval career."

Many years have past & the names have changed, but the mission has not. Starting in 1814 as a Loblolly Boy; 1844 Surgeon's Steward; 1866 the Apothecary; 1898 Hospital Steward; 1916 the pharmacist's Mate; & finally in 1948 the Hospital Corpsman.

Let's take a moment of silence to remember those who have fallen.....

WWI 1917-1918: 20
Nicaragua 1926-1933: 1
WW2 1941-1945: 889
Korean Conflict 1950-1954: 109
Dominican Republic 1965: 1
Vietnam Conflict 1962-1975: 628
Lebanon 1983: 15
Iraqi Freedom 2003: 2

To our men and women in uniform past, present & future thank you & God bless.

Happy Birthday Baby

"Quite festive. Don't you think?"









"Matt decided to say a prayer, Lord please don't make Nyoka take another group photo, Amen ;-)."




Well for most of you who don't know, today's Tam's official birthday. That's rigth he's now 27. He actually celebrated it last night our time, which would make it early morning his time.

According to my last BLOG, I had a surprise that I couldn't share until his birthday. That way he'd receive the surprise we had in store, & boy was it killing me.

Two weekends ago, we had a b-b-q at his parents house in Palmdale. I invited some of his friends as well as Brad, Karen & Little Matt. They're more like family than friend since Tam grew up w/their children. Anyhow, we took loads of pictures and made little video clips to share w/him over there. Hoping to brighten his day even though he's far away. Thinking back to my time away from him in Texas, everyone called me on my birthday. So I had to top that, since we couldn't call, why not throw a party!?!

On the menu were b-b-q ribs (Dominic got his first taste of rib that day, thanks Brad), b-b-q chicken wings, potato salad, green salad, chips and dip & watermelon. Now no birthday would be complete w/out a birthday cake & sweetheart we had your favorite, Mint Chocolate Chip. Don't worry it was good (refer to Karen's video message) and just in case you didn't believe us, there's a huge piece sitting inside Karens freezer double wrapped and in tupperware waiting for you to "sink" your teeth into.

Seeing as how sending gifts we're not an option (he'd only have to send them back), we sent him a plethora of Birthday Cards as well as father's day cards. Any gifts that were to big for shipping are awaiting your return. To be opened when you get home.

Well Sweetheart, I hope that you truly got to enjoy your birthday even though those you love aren't there w/out. Just remember when you get home, take plenty of leave you have a lot of catching up and making up to do ;-)!!! Until then baby, be safe, take care and God speed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love your wife, son, parents, sisters & extended family.

P.S.
1. Oh, & since Tam wasn't here to get into his cake himself, don't worry baby. Dominic got his hands in it for you. (refer to video clips)
2. The 26th of this month marks 4 months day, more than half way there ;-)

"You're not seeing double, there's a difference."

"Busted. I don't think daddy will believe me now."

"This is for you, Tam."
"I tried stopping them. Honest I did."

"Special thanks to all of those who attended this get together for Tam. Ya'll are the best. Happy belated birthday Matt Goldwater. Oh & Congrats again on your's & Wendy's sweet anouncement. Don't worry, Tam watched the video clip as I anxiously awaited on the other end of the phone. It was killing me not to tell him."

Love ya'll,
Nyoka

Sneaky Sneaky

Don't know how I got here, honest.

Hey guys, sorry I didn't post a BLOG last weekend. I will post one for last weekend in the near future as we were doing something for Tam's birthday, but ssssshhhhhh it's a surprise. Anyway, I think this entry will hold your suspense until then.

I was on the computer today and Dominic crawled out of the room. Yes, for those who don't know he's crawling now and so cute too. Anyhow, not even 2 minutes later I went to check and see where he went. He ended up in his grandparents room sitting inside his laundry basket chewing on the leather handles. How he got in there is a mystery to me. If you are in disbelief, let the pics speak for themselves.

Love you guys,
Nyoka


Do you think she sees me?

Oops, I told myself she'd find me.

Oh how little mommy know. I found daddy's guitars too.