Our Prayers are Being Answered

Micheal emailed his dad on Wednesday of this week to tell him that he was ok. Then he described what had happened that day. This picture shows the vehicle he was riding in when it ran over an IED, (which is a hidden explosive device). There were no fatalities, but concussions, and lots of bangs and bruises. Michael also hurt his back pretty badly, but has stated that he will recover. This happened while we were sleeping here, but God took care of Michael and continues to watch over him and his group. Keep praying everyday, many times a day for Michael. He is facing things that we will most likely never have to worry about. He is also willing to pay a price for our freedom and comfort and I for one am guilty of forgetting how precious this freedom is and also how costly it is. I believe that Michael was actually sitting directly above where the explosion occurred. Michael, you are our miracle and we are thankful for you and what you do for us each and every day. Please let your group know that the Poland family from Texas is praying for them and that we love them all. Especially you.

Here is the Newest Graduate

Here is our newest graduate. Jeff has graduated from high school and we are so proud. He is one of 60 graduates that received scholarships. That was out of over 700 students!!!! Did I mention we are proud? Mom, Carry, Steve and I were blessed to be able to travel to downtown Houston and meet Wesley, and his mother-in-law , sister and brother -in- law. We were sad that Jeff's grandfather was unable to attend the ceremony due to an unforeseen hospital stay. We are praying that he has a speedy recovery. Anyway, we watched the class of 2009 march in and struggled to identify our graduate. We took turns with the binoculars and then tried to point him out so that everyone in our group could see him. Who were we kidding, we could barely see him with the binoculars much less with the naked eye. You would have thought we were trying to get a look a famous rock star or something. It was as if we had never seen him before and we were so excited to finally spot him. (or some student that looked like him). Actually, from where I was sitting they all looked the same! I think his dad was just relieved that he really was in the line up and would get a chance to hear his name called and walk across the stage. Of course we yelled and screamed like lunatics when his name was called. The arena was so big he probably didn't even hear us! (The people around us did though!!!) We all met up afterward on the street outside and took turns hugging and taking pictures. I was amazed at how many people came up to Jeff and shook his hand. This guy has touched many people during his young life and apparantely made a very positive impact on many. We will wave goodbye to him this fall with sadness and pride as he goes off to fulfill his scholarship to Virginia Tech. So, here is one more of the Poland clan that has made it through high school. We have several more to follow with the youngest one just starting life 2 days ago. So, I guess we should just reserve the last weekend in May and first weekend in June from now on!!

First Fruits

If you look closely you can see my first tomato of the season, in my very own garden! I'm not sure how long before I can pick and eat it, but I am watching it everyday to be sure I pick it just in time. Ethan's garden is actually doing better than mine. He picked his first pepper last night and we shared it at dinner. I don't think he even likes it, but having grown it himself he was brave enough to try. He kept asking me if it was suppose to taste that way and was I sure it was ready? I think he probably prefers his produce in a jar of pickling juice or cooked on top of a pizza. He has peppers and tomatoes and I have cucumbers and tomatoes. We almost have enough stuff for a salad! Mom has tomatoes and squash so before long we should have a great summer meal! I realize that this post is not overly exciting, but alas, this is the big life in the country. Watching things grow and eating. I might go out and take my laundry off the line when I get up enough motivation to get dressed, are 3 days long enough for towels to dry??

This is Lisa, living the county life and loving it!

Boykin Springs

Boykin Springs is part of our family's history. When we were young we played there many times, as we got older and brought our kids there they too enjoyed the beautiful springs and lake, while we tripped, fell down, turned ankles, etc. We had many church and school function picnics there as well. I think Ethan will want to go camping with his Houston friends there later this summer. I am all for camping, can't wait! We can find us a shady camp spot in the forest, set up the tent, lawn chairs, hammock, etc. Bring lots of cool camp food, fishing and swimming gear, and last but not least..... I can go home to shower and sleep at the end of the day!!!! Who's in??

We Have Two Graduates

This is Bailey she is a recent graduate of the Kindergarten Class of 2009. Way to go Bailey, keep that smile and you will go far. (That sounds like a lame year book entry doesn't it??) Any, we are very proud of her and of her parents and sisters. She is the first one in that family to graduate from Kindergarten. If you blink really slow, the next picture will be of her high school graduation! Which brings me to the second graduate in the family. Jeffrey A. Poland is graduating from High School this week. Yea, class of 2009! We are so proud of Jeff. He will be attending college in the fall at Virginia Tech on a ROTC scholarship. He still needs lots of prayer and support as he heads out on his own. All major cash and checks accepted!

I need a Vacation

I so need a vacation. Actually I think I'd really like to retire and become a more devoted domestic engineer. Have to be careful talking about needing time away from work, last 2 times I prayed for time off, my prayers were answered and my time off was spent either totally in bed or in the hospital. Be specific when you ask God for things. He DOES answer.

We've been busy on the Poland and Seale ranches lately. Weekend before last Lisa, Mom & I (well Aunt Iris mostly) hosted a baby shower for our little Leah who is expecting the newest baby girl to our family. Had quite a turn out, way more than I expected. It was nice just to visit with everyone.

Then my new sister in town, Lisa, hosted lunch for Mother's Day. That was really nice and probably more so for Mom. She has always cooked lunch at her house on Mother's Day. I always considered that kind of an oxymoron due to the fact it was "her" day and she was the one doing all the work. Doesn't make sense to me. I'd just as soon go out somewhere. I'm not going to be the mother who cooks on Mother's Day, shoot I don't want to cook anyday. I'm a good cook I just don't enjoy it.

Haven't heard from our soldier in Afghanistan for a while now. I think he's talked to his dad. Last time I talked with him he had gotten so many packages from us that he told us not to send him anymore for awhile. That must be really bad when a soldier gets too much. Just continue to pray that he and other serving with him will be protected by God's hand and stay out of harms way.

I'm being paid to work so better get back at it.