Before school ended I gave Sophia a class pool party. the reason for this story is because it has been bothering me, since then. One child, who came was from Africa. And when he entered the backyard, all the kids started to say "yum yum" show us one of your "yum yum's!" Well this seven year old proudly removed his shirt and every parent including me put our hands over our mouths. This little boy had a belly button that was just hanging. It had to be over 6-7 inches long. His mother very proudly told us that in their tribe in Africa, the male with the biggest yum yum's gets more cattle and a better pick of wives. This is where you use your imagination she called his belly button a yum, but when discussing her tribe, she speaks of another yum, get the picture "yum yum's" Where do you think the other yum is? You got it!!! She pulled him to a corner of the pool and pulled his swimsuit down. It's one of those experiences where you look, you stare, but in the pit of your stomache you know, you should turn away, but you can't. This little boy had the a long yum. He stood there so proudly and his mother was beaming with pride. I was shocked and alittle sick to my stomache. Don't get me wrong, a big yum on a male is a whole different story, but this is a child. After he showed off both of his yum yum's he proudly ran off to play. His mother told us that each summer they return to their tribe in Africa where a ceremony is performed to enlarge his yum yum's. How is this done, a incision is made at the base of each yum and a pebble is inserted. I'm not judging a custom I no nothing of. but it troubles me that this child has to experience this, there has got to be a pain level beyond belief that goes along with this tradition. I don't know, I just keep thinking about it. I know many men would like a chance to have a big yum, but what price do you have to pay to get it. Is a better cow or better wife worth it. And then I had to sit Sophia down at the end of the evening to explain to her, that this child better not ever show her his second yum.

GI Joe, has been gone for a week now. Its been a very hard adjustment for Sophia and I. We are keeping as busy as possible. But I feel like I'm in a state of depression, I'm feeling so lonely. Even though my mother in law runs in everyday and Sophia is running everywhere. It just feels wierd. And not knowing where he is, when he's coming home and whether or not he's safe, is playing a large part in it. I have a hint where he could be, just by watching the news, which has me alittle nervous. But he's out there doing his job for our country.

Hope everybody is well and doing ok. Angie, my love, congrats on your new job!!!!!