WHEELS ARE UP!!!

We got the call - our soldier has departed theater and is en route to Fort Campbell!! He should be home tomorrow afternoon. We are so very excited!!! Don't know if I can sleep . . .

The One Year Milestone

Well, we made it . . .

David left exactly one year ago today! I can't believe we made it!! And, I can't believe how much has happened . . . Harper was not quite 10 months old and not even walking when David left; Price was about to turn 3, and was still pretty much a "toddler" then compared to the "big boy" he is now.

This afternoon, I went to the monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony on post to honor the fallen Screaming Eagles (soldiers from this unit - 101st Airborne Division). There were four soldiers honored today, and all four were from our battalion, 2-506th Infantry Regiment. There is such a mix of emotions with the excitement of our guys coming home and the sadness over those that will not. The ceremony was very moving and we were able to meet some of the families and extend our sympathies. I am always amazed at their courage and their graciousness to all who attend. I hate it so that they are having to go through the pain and heartbreak they are facing right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

The beginning of the end . . .

The great news on our end is that David has already started his journey home! David has left FOB Orgun-E as he and our other soldiers make the long trip home from, literally, the other side of the world. This time last year, we weren't expecting him to be home until June. We feel so fortunate that our time-line changed.

Our first soldiers, those comprising the advanced party, actually arrived on Feb. 28th. I went to watch the plane land and for their "Welcome Home Ceremony." It was very exciting and very emotional - whether or not you had a soldier on the flight. Our guys have been coming back a plane at a time since then. We don't know exactly when David will arrive, yet, but we expect him within the week!!! We are just on stand-by waiting for "the call" from an automated system that will give us more information on his arrival. Please pray for their safe travels and that my nerves don't get the best of me!!! I'll keep you posted . . .

Covering the Holidays and Winter

Yes, I know . . . It is about to be March. I'm still on my quest to (eventually) tell the whole story for posterity's sake! But, I'd better hurry because David's replacement has already arrived and their transition is well on its way!! So, the rush is on to catch everything up and get ready for Daddy to come home! I can't believe it . . .

CHRISTMAS IN AFGHANISTAN

I have tried to keep the blog fairly light and on-the-surface about what is going on over there . . . more of a "day in the life" picture of things. But, it doesn't tell the complete story if you overlook the horrible tragedies that come with what they are doing. On Christmas Eve, we lost a soldier from David's company, HHC. Out of respect to the family, I am not going to discuss his personal information here. But, the link on the sidebar takes you to the site with a write-up for each of our fallen soldiers. HHC had not lost a soldier up to this point. This cast a very sad and somber net over Christmas Day and the days thereafter. Even so, the Dining Facility and their crew did their best to give the guys a great Christmas meal and to make it a little less painful to be away from their family and loved ones and to be in the middle of a combat zone half way around the world. It was much appreciated by all. In addition, David and the other officers pulled "tower duty," doing time in the watch towers, to make sure that every soldier had a little bit of down time and a chance to call home. Here are a few pictures of the events surrounding Christmas, even the heartbreaking ones . . .

A big "thank you" goes out to everyone that sent care packages, well wishes, and prayers to our guys. Here are some pictures of the guys getting their "boodle" from the Mission Friends at Brent Baptist Church, Brent, Alabama (a special thanks to "Miss" Faye Johnson), and from our nephew, Will, and all his buddies who contributed and who made crafts at his special birthday party to make things to send to the soldiers . . .

David and some others serve Christmas dinner to some well-deserving soldiers . . .





This is the "honor flight" coming to take our fallen warrior home. They have a ceremony where everyone goes out and salutes their fallen and gives him a fitting send-off on his journey back to his family.





A few days later, there was a Memorial Service at Orgun-E to honor their fallen soldier and pay tribute to his sacrifice.



This soldier was a hero and was laid to rest in late January at Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/03/AR2009020303534.html


CHRISTMAS AT HOME

We had the normal chaos at my parents' and granny's house over Christmas. There are a thousand and one pictures, but here are just a couple. This was Price's first year to sort of get into Santa Claus . . . since October, he had asked for two things from Santa: a toy weed trimmer (strange!) and a coat of armor ~

Price talking to Daddy and telling him all about what Santa brought him and Harper . . .

Our future little Alabama football players!!

WINTER IN AFGHANISTAN


David sent this update for me to post several weeks ago (as his internet is very slow and difficult for him to post himself). Sorry it has taken so long, but I wanted to get my part up to date and keep it all in order! He has clearly been there too long as he uses a LOT of military lingo ~ I think he has forgotten how to talk "civilian"! But, I think you will get the important stuff out of it . . .

Since November and the inception of the winter campaign in Eastern Paktika, the
men and women of Task Force White Currahee have performed magnificently.
Our ability to assess our operational environment, interdict the miscreants/ insurgents, and secure the population has fostered an environment conducive towards governance, development, and economic growth. The winter season in Afghanistan, and in particular Orgun-E, is very harsh and in some instances devastating to the local nationals. For many, their survivability is dependent on coalition forces, Afghan leadership, and Afghan security forces to provide for their
security, welfare, and health concerns. Over the past several months, we
have faced some significant challenges attempting to facilitate the Paktikan
subsistence in an environment that fails to reward the unprepared.

Though focused on counter-insurgency operations in an effort to separate the enemy from the populace, the Soldiers of this Battalion have begun to set the conditions for our re-deployment back to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Upon reflection of our deployment, its milestones, and legacy, it is not difficult to see the awesome impact this Battalion has had on the Afghan populace and the mitigation of insurgent malefactors. As our replacements begin to arrive, it is truly imperative that we maintain our operational tempo/posture and ward off complacency.

Operations in Afghanistan are difficult and time-consuming – even more so
throughout the winter months. While the fight here is long from over,
it is evident that the brilliant men and women serving in uniform forward
deployed in this theater are relevant, passionate, and heroic. Not
only do these Soldiers display the necessary character and courage needed in
such an environment, but also depict what is good and righteous about
the military and United States of America.

MORE TRAGEDY FOR 2-506 INFANTRY

Right after David wrote the above entry, tragedy struck our battalion again and we lost two brave soldiers in the same incident on February 10, 2009. Less than a week later, we lost a soldier in another company on February 16, 2009. This was a terrifying and shocking loss for all involved ~ for the soldiers over there as this is the most loss we have suffered during this deployment in such a short time span, and for the families back home as we were just weeks away from the end of the deployment and were praying to make it through without further loss. We had lost three men until that week and then the number doubled within a matter of days. Our hearts and our prayers go out to these heroes' families.

There is a web site honoring one of these fallen warriors that is very powerful and that I would like to share with you. While it is incredibly sad to watch, it puts a person behind the name and behind the brief blurb on the news about another soldier killed in action. I hope his family doesn't mind me sharing it. Please let it serve as a reminder that there are beautiful people behind every name and number that you hear on the news . . .

http://www.petercourcy.com/

The next time I write, I hope I have some news on David's expected return date. At times, I thought it would never end. I can't believe how close we finally are!!

A Look Back at "R & R"

Well, I have jokingly referred to my "bi-monthly" blog updates, but this one is actually a "quarterly"!! Terrible, I know. Even though the news is a little out-dated, I wanted to try and complete our deployment story anyway just to have for us to look back on. Here's my attempt to explain and to begin bringing the news up to date . . .

We had a terrific "r & r" in November, but since then everything just seemed to come at me so fast! David left to go back the day before Thanksgiving, so we dropped him at the airport and kept driving to Alabama so we didn't have to come home to a quiet house. Since Thanksgiving was late this year, it was already December by the time we came back home. And, I must admit that we were completely irresponsible and selfish during his leave . . . the only thing we thought about was what sort of fun was on the family agenda for the day. So, when I got back to reality and it was December already, Christmas was coming at me like a Mack truck! We had a busy two weeks or so with Christmas parties, school programs, Christmas shopping, cooking, etc., and then it was back to Alabama for two weeks for the holidays. We came home more tired than we were when we left . . . Harper apparently gave up sleeping for his New Years' Resolution, and he kept it longer than any resolution I've ever kept! We are just finally getting back to a normal sleep pattern (most nights), and my head has stopped spinning a bit. I'm trying to catch up on all the things I've neglected the past couple of months . . .

It has been daunting to think of trying to catch up on the blog. So, I thought I'd do it a little at a time, starting with our precious 18 days with Daddy . . .

Long story, but David's plane was delayed a day coming home. He was on lock-down in a hangar in Kuwait with one phone between a few hundred guys. So, he couldn't call to tell me exactly when he would arrive in Nashville. He called that morning from Atlanta and was going to be arriving three hours earlier than we had originally thought! Yikes! We were all still in our pajamas, but scrambled to make it there - I thought in time. When we got our passes at the counter, though, we found out that the plane had landed 15 minutes early! I begged my way to the front of the security line as I was about to go into the ugly cry with thoughts of David getting off the plane and us not being there!! I threw everything, shoes included, in the stroller, and we ran to the gate barefooted. People were already deplaning when we ran up, but just a few. I shoved my camera at a lady sitting nearby and asked if she'd take pictures. We had been there maybe 90 seconds when he got off . . . we greeted him in bare feet, but we were nonetheless there to greet him! It was great . . . we were screaming and waving our flags. Price ran to David and, after a little nudge from me, so did Harper. I didn't even get the chance to tell the nice lady that took pictures for us that I have the worst, slowest camera known to man . . . so, all we got from our beautiful reunion was a few really fuzzy pictures. On top of that, David was embarrassed by all of the attention and wouldn't even pause for two seconds for pictures. Here is the best we got . . .

Harper just kept looking at David . . . I think he thought he was just a picture on his wall that we called "Daddy!" He finally figured out that he was a real person - and that he was lots of fun!!

Harper still doesn't have his shoes on . . .

David was also a little embarrassed by the banner and the car, but we didn't care!!

After a welcome home ice cream cake, David and Price wasted no time putting the "relaxation" in "Rest & Relaxation". . .

There was lots of batting practice to make up for!!

David came in on a Friday, and spent the weekend catching up on sleep and football. In fact, we had the entire first week to ourselves. This was purely family time with nothing but trips to the children's floor at the local museum (above), the jump zone, playing in the backyard, etc. There was only one bit of business that David insisted on taking care of right away . . . I had refused to get Harper his first haircut until he got home. People were taking bets on whether or not I could (okay, should) hold out that long, but I wasn't giving in. He did have quite the mullet when Daddy finally got here . . .

He was great during his first cut . . . as long as we didn't dare touch that pacifier! Also, he'll do just about anything with the promise of a "pop" . . .

I guess it looked much better, but he seemed to instantly evolve into a little boy instead of my baby!

It really took no time at all for David and Harper to become huge buddies and share lots of "peek-a-boo" moments . . .

After a full week together, we headed to Alabama for the weekend. We had an early Thanksgiving, and David and I got to go to the Alabama v. Mississippi State game (that was back in the undefeated days, and it was very exciting!!) . . .

The next week, Nonna and Grandpop came to visit for a couple of days. The day they left, we headed up to Gatlinburg for a couple of days . . .

Price was thrilled that he got to go "horseback riding" ~ in reality, we paid a small fortune for this lady to lead him around on a horse for all of 5 minutes. But, he really had his heart set on it and really thought he was hot stuff!!

You can't leave that area without a huge pancake breakfast at a "pancake cabin"!!

We had a few days left together after Gatlinburg before we, painfully, had to say good-bye again. I will say, it was a huge relief to know that we only had a few months left to go when he went back. We felt like it was a good amount of time to have together, too. While no amount of time is "enough," we both agreed that it didn't feel like he got here and turned straight around and left. The travel to get here and then back is grueling on the guys, but David did feel refreshed and a bit recharged when he left. It was definitely good for the boys to get to spend time with him and to know that he is okay. I can't imagine how confusing all of this is for Price. While he tells everyone that "daddy is in Afghanistan," he really has no idea what that means and what is going on. Every time we go near David's office on post, Price asks "is this Afghanistan? is daddy here??" So, I am grateful and hope that this at least let him know that Daddy is, indeed, just somewhere else for a while "helping the people" and "doing his important work" and that he is coming back home to live with us when it is all over.

Here we are saying our farewells at the airport before heading to Alabama. Price cried for his Daddy until I stopped at a gas station and distracted him by letting him pick out whatever junk he wanted . . . he ate M&M's the rest of the way!

As soon as we got to my parents' house, Grandmama had them busy "helping" with the leaves . . . another welcome distraction.

HE IS ON HIS WAY!!!

David is in Kuwait and making the long journey home for R & R. He left Orgun-E on Saturday for Bagram, where he has been until today. He anticipates he will leave Kuwait in the middle of the night tonight (his time) and, after stopping in Germany, will arrive in the states on Thursday. We are so excited we are about to bust!! Price has a long list of things on the refrigerator that he wants to do with Daddy when he "visits."

As one of my friends put it, we are going to go "underground" for the next couple of weeks and just focus on being together. So, I thought I'd better go ahead and post some pictures from Halloween and some of the boys since this summer (which is the last time I posted anything from the homefront!). Here are our two little trick~or~treaters all dressed up and showing some brotherly love . . .

And, here they are less than an hour later . . .

I guess that is the benefit of toddlers . . . not having to make it to every house! They were out cold by 7:30. Here are a couple of pictures from some pre-Halloween festivities . . . The cutest flying elephant ever!

Here is Price and "his favorite kind of princess," Gracen . . .

Late this summer, we took a two week trip to the greater-DC area - we spent about a week with David's parents and got to see Uncle Mark and Aunt Kristen. Then, we spent another week at my brother's house in Annapolis where we had lots of fun with cousin Sam, Uncle Beau, and Aunt Tonya. And, my parents had their boat there, so we got to spend that time with them, too. Here are a few pictures of some of the fun things we did . . .

Price practiced hoops with Grandpop ~

We hung out at the waterfront in Old Town with Nonna ~

We spent lots of time at the pool, for the sights more than anything ~ not only was there the great view of the Masonic Temple, but below there were train AND Metro tracks to watch and above there were constant planes from Reagon National flying overhead. Definitely the stuff that little boys' dreams are made of! We spent more time at the fence than in the pool ~

What a treat ~ a rare visit with all four grandparents . . .

For some reason, I didn't take many pictures in Annapolis. But, here is a shot of the birthday party we had to celebrate Daddy's birthday for him . . .

I must say that it was a long, hard summer without Daddy here. There was no "school" for the boys, and Price wasn't yet old enough for any activities except a short swim class. On top of that, in addition to a couple of run of the mill stomach bugs that we all got, Price had tonsilitis and pneumonia. Mama was tired from entertaining and nursing sick boys by the end of the summer, so the first day of school was a big treat for me. Here are some pictures from that exciting day . . .


Price was very excited to see his new classroom and meet Mrs. Patsy ~

Harper, not so excited that day. But, that was very short-lived . . . He was the biggest mama's boy ~ even around grandparents. The only thing I dreaded about school was the drama that would come when I left him each day. Well, little did I know that I had no worries . . . Harper cried the first two days and that was it! He found his independence, and he loves it. I do feel a little dissed over it, but it sure makes drop off easier!!!

Afterwards, everyone was worn out by all of the day's excitement and needed a little rest . . .

Another exciting thing we did was that I took Price to his first SEC football game ~ and it was an Auburn game of all things!!! I can't believe it. We went to the Auburn v. Vanderbilt game, and had a great time. Although it was great fun, it couldn't compare to an Alabama game. But, we are saving that for Daddy to take him to. Here are a couple of pictures in the stadium at Vandy ~

Well, we have lots to do to get ready for Daddy to come home. He just called with his flight info, which makes it seems all the more real that he will actually be here in person before we know it!