The Keating Family: May 2009

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

29 Palms

This photo was taken nearly a year ago at 29 Palms, California, where John was training prior to his first deployment to Iraq. It's a great photo of all the men in his unit.

Short Shorts in Iraq

I think I owned a pair of these little shorts when I was in elementary school!

Sandstorm in Iraq

And I thought Arizona has terrible dust storms, take a look at this monster!

SAHL SINJAR, Iraq (Dec. 2, 2008)- — Securing Iraq has taken Marines north to the Syrian border, where they help deter illegal arms smuggling. This was dated a year ago, but this is John's assignment with "The Professionals."

The Latest from Iraq

Salutations, friends and family. We heard from John right before we went to Mass this past Sunday. It had been nearly two weeks since we had talked to him, and what he shared came as a surprise. He suffered heat stroke in 127-degree temps, was evacuated by a Black Hawk helicopter to the second largest air base in Iraq for treatment. He was in the hospital for three days. Please keep praying from him and all the others. Memorial Day was a beautiful day. I don't know if you saw it, but PBS did an amazing tribute to our fallen heroes. God Bless America.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Show Low Cemetery

One of our stops along the way going home from Alpine was to the Show Low Cemetery to say hello to Papa Wally. Although you can't tell from this photo, it's a charming cemetery; small, on top of a hill and old. My dad is buried near the flagpole, so it's always easy to find him. Tim never met my father, but I know they would be fast friends.

Sushi, anyone?

So, I sit down with John and his son and Tim for a plate of fresh trout caught by the boys. After gutting them in the kitchen sink (ah hem), John seasoned them with his favorite stuff and threw them on the grill. Within moments, literally, he's calling us to chow down. Now, I'm not a baby and luckily for him I love sushi because my trout- head still on, of course- was practically talking to me. I tell him, "Hey, John, mine needs a little more time on the grill." To which he responds, "Naw, they're fine." Like I said, it's a good thing I like sushi.

Fishin' in Alpine

We had two glorious days of fishing at Halsey Lake. The fish were frisky, jumping right next to our lines. We cooked our catch the next afternoon for lunch.

And in lane 2...

Timothy went on his own journey through the forest trails. If you ask him, he'll tell you all about the jumps and catching air! He'll also tell you in great detail how he crashed, but he doesn't want me to know about it :)

The Result

The Boys

The boys went on an eight-hour ride May 9th. It was Tom's first time riding an ATV! They rode hill and dale over mountain peaks and glaciers. Yes, you heard me correct. Glaciers, at least that's what Robert called them. Maybe he meant he spilled some ice cubes and they rode over them!

Mother's Day in Alpine

We were invited to John's cabin in Alpine over the Mother Day weekend. It was beautiful, spectacular, spiritual and fun!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Pilar Turns 19 at the Happiest Place On Earth

Adorable runs in the family. Leave it to Pilar to arrange for everyone to have matching Mickey T-shirts and fanny packs BEFORE going to Disneyland! She gets an A-plus on the cuteness factor. Happy Birthday, ChiChi!

It's All Mine! Mine, do you hear me?

Uh, yeah, we hear you with that big, huge blade in your hand. We know who got the first piece!

Congratulations, Tori!

Tori Lori Jean Bean got an internship with Phoenix Marketing Group. Her dad surprised her with a cake, so now we're hoping we all get internships so we can get a cake, too!

Tower of Pillows

This absolutely qualifies as a heart-stealer! How adorable that when Tim was finished making up his bed, he stacked all three pillows and topped it off with his teddy bear! It makes me forget all about those hospital corners.

Good Morning!

I love this picture. What could be better than sleeping on cold sheets in sock monkey pajamas? I think easing into a new day is best... that's why I sneak in for a cuddle!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN THOMAS KEATING!

Today, John is 22. Actually, in Iraq time he is 22 and a day! We all have favorite stories of John growing up, and one of mine is his fishing adventures down at Chaparral Lake. Darn if he didn't always catch huge catfish and bring them home to me! Thankfully, the French lady down the street loved catfish... the whole thing! To my favorite fisherman, soldier and son. I love you!