MACARTHUR by Mitchell Yockelson....a book review

How did Douglas MacArthur earn the nickname "America's General"?  This question is thoroughly answered in the biography, MACARTHUR, written by Mitchell Yockelson.

There are so many interesting tid bits of information in this book for me.  Having been married to a soldier for over 7 yrs, (we are still married but he is no longer in the Army!) it was interesting to hear of MacArthur's relationships with other powerful soldiers.  Such as, Black Jack Pershing...My Dear's first 'job' in the Army was working on the Pershing Missile in Southern West Germany.  And Major Dwight Eisenhower, who later became president of our great USA!

MacArthur's Father, Arthur MacArthur, was a decorated Civil War soldier.   He fought on the side of the Yankees in such skirmishes as Stones River, TN (Murfreesboro) and received a Medal of Honor for his actions on Missionary Ridge, TN (Chattanooga.) 

Arthur MacArthur and Douglas MacArthur were the first Father and Son to receive the same military award....the Medal of Honor!

Douglas' parents were a highly important part of his life.  Until his death in 1896, Arthur was a very involved Father.  In 1899, when Douglas moved to West Point, his Mother, Pinky, moved with him.  Douglas cared for her, always moving her with him, or to a place of safety, until her death in December, 1935, in the Philippines.  Douglas later brought his Mother's remains back to the states and buried her in Arlington Cemetery next to his Father.

The book chronicles MacArthur's early military career up until his resignation from the Army in 1851, after 52 years of military service.  It also explores his personal life and how he was a leader both on and off the battlefield.

I have enjoyed reading the book.  I learned so much about the World Wars that I did not know.  I also learned that the Korean conflict began on June 25, 1950.....forty years before my first child was born!  There are several interesting facts and stories that I can't even begin to share them with you - you might want to consider just getting the book and reading it yourself!!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like strong military leaders that fought to keep our freedoms!

God's girl,

Pamela

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

She's 18?!?

Today is my baby girl's 18th birthday, the one I call Cupcake.  And, Funfetti cupcakes are what we made to share with her friends tomorrow while they play like children at Chuck E. Cheese!

I am simply amazed that 18 yrs have passed since that warm, sunshine-y day in El Paso when she finally decided to join our family.  I remember some pretty long, hard days during these 18 yrs, and if you've followed my blog since the beginning I'm sure you remember some of them, too!  However, to realize that the time has passed and today she becomes an adult is just mind-boggling!

Many times I have referred to the fact that this is the child that has kept me on my knees...and trust me, that is a good thing!  She has reminded me over and over again that I am not a perfect Mom, that I can only be her Mom by sitting at the feet of Jesus each and every day and because of that, I am a better wife to My Dear and better Mom to her and CD - and for that, I would not trade!

Cupcake has shown me a new way to live, to love, to know God because she has never been afraid to ask the hard questions.  I know some of you would say she argued with me, and at times, she did, but her stubborn desire to know the ins and outs of life and the rules have made me question many things that I held as firm belief.  Come to find out, I should have questioned them long ago, but I was afraid.  I'm so thankful that she was not afraid to explore and question the world around her!

Some highlights, and lowlights, that I remember of these years:

Cupcake did not like to be swaddled!  She preferred to be free....imagine that!
She NEVER liked a schedule!  Never!
She smiled and laughed at CD more than she ever did at me, they were fast friends!
I loved her hair up in a "waterfall"....it just made her little round face so cute!
She loved all things Winnie the Pooh!
My precious 4 yr old, at my feet, asking Jesus to start a relationship in her heart.
She has always loved to learn and was very anxious to start Kindergarten....at the door of the school, she never even looked back to wave goodbye on her first day.
Cupcake liked playing soccer, until she got a cleat scraped across her nose....my poor baby!
In 4th grade she told me she was thinking of trying out for the band, and proceeded to come home letting me know she would be playing the trumpet!  WHAT?  Why not the flute?  I don't know, but she was really good at the trumpet!
She's really good at Art and being creative, too!
BOYS....not sure why, but they have always held a certain appeal for her - to the point of driving us insane, I think!
I have always loved hearing my girls giggle and converse together....makes my Momma's heart feel good, especially as they have grown.
The hard years....8th, 9th and 10th grade.  I'm not sure I ever showed her enough grace, but she made sure that I loved her during that time!
My 'little bitty' coming home from a job fair and letting me know she would be a lifeguard!  Really? 
Watching her grow through this difficult year....she was the one that took care of me on those days when I simply could not imagine moving after losing David. 
Seeing Cupcake and my big Sissy enjoying one anothers company - they are so much alike!
Just last week, we got to have fun making her mum for homecoming....she is so creative!

I LOVE MY CUPCAKE!!!  I LOVE MY BUNNY-GIRL!!! I LOVE MY LITTLE BITTY!!!
I am so thankful that God chose My Dear and I to raise her in His love and admonition.  We are truly blessed for her being part of our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY GIRL!!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like my 18 yr old, Cupcake!

God's girl,

Pamela