Matthew's Shadowbox

Hey everyone. Matthew has found a pretty cool website. He was able to put in all of his military information on it and his memories. I'm seeing it as a journal type thing actually. I really like the idea. He has worked on it all night and it's slowly starting to come along. Hope it's something you can enjoy.

The baby bump...

Ok so 35 weeks and a few days along... I'm beyond miserable.

Not the greatest picture of me but shows the belly really well.



Other than that, life is just moving along. I'm always uncomfortable but it's to be expected I guess. Matt and I are doing well, and slowly adjusting back to life. Dogs are taking well to the training sessions and I couldn't be happier about it. They are listening so much better. They are enjoying the fact that Matt is sticking around more and are getting use to the "old routine" we had before he deployed.


Well, there's a short update. We love ya all!

Another Sad day

My mom called me this morning and told me that her brother, my Uncle Kirk, passed away over night. The cause is unknown at this time and I don't know if they are going to do an autopsy or not. My poor Grandma. She has out lived 4 of her 7 children and her husband. She is one of the strongest people I know to have to go through this. I love my Grandma dearly and my heart goes out to her.

They always say that death comes in three. I really hope it's not true. As you know, last month I lost a dear friend of mine and now my Uncle. I hope it stops here cause I don't know how much more I can handle.

I'm sad cause it's so close to the holiday and I am, still, unable to to travel to be with my family. It does help to have Matt home though. I'm not alone. The death of Shana last month was hard cause I did feel alone even though I had my friend Jennifer to confide in.

I just want to tell you all that I love you and I know I don't say it much but know you are greatly loved and that I think of you all often.!

Pictures of Matt's Homecoming

The wounded were the first to come in and lets just say they got probably the biggest applause of them all!
Here they come in a single line and start to form up in their formations.

Forming up in Formation

After they were released and we were able to find one another

Great to actually get to hold him

My friend painted the sign on the door the rest of the stuff I put up.

Kayla did a good job I think!

Here is the link to the Guidon. It has the best picture of the entire troop formation. It's the only one I could find. Hope it's worth looking at and it has the story attached so you can read it.

http://myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8959&Itemid=39

HE'S HOME!!!

Well, it's official. Matt is home from the war. He actually got into the state of Missouri around noon yesterday but wasn't on post until about 5pm. They marched into the gym and all the spouses, family and friends went into a huge up roar. The first 3 people were wounded soldiers and they got a huge round of applause and tears started rolling. Matt walked in about half way through the huge group of soldiers. The commander of the post gave a small speech, we had a moment of silence for the fallen soldier, SGT John Savage, and then they were released. It took us a minute to find one another but once we found each other it was great. We hugged and he just stared in aw at how big I am. (I will post pictures later). My friend Jennifer was there to take pictures.

I just want to say thank you to all my friends here that helped me through this deployment and for all the support from the family. I have learned a lot of independence and I definitely don't let people take advantage of me anymore.

We will be calling people throughout the week but I'm sure it will be short due to phone minutes. At least until the weekend.

We love you all and I know you are all just as happy as I am that he made it home safely after 14 months of being so far away.

FINALLY!

Well, it's official. I am in my new house. Now, as far as unpacking, HA HA! That's funny. Just moving here about sent me into labor and on top of it, I have gotten sick with a chest/sinus cold. I have just been taking it easy and only getting things out that I desperately need. I do have to say THANK YOU to my friend Jennifer. She helped me a lot. She came over on Monday and pretty much packed my house up for me and then Tuesday, she helped me unpack my kitchen. She has been a HUGE life saver. Like I said, I was almost thrown into labor on Monday from all the stress and bending over and everything else I did. I didn't lift anything over my weight limit but just the stress on my body was enough. Luckily I'm doing better and now just trying to get over this stupid cold. Other than that. I'm doing my best to settle in and straighten up. The only down fall to this new house is that for some reason, there is a huge sand pit right out my back door and the dogs and I are constantly tracking it in. I have my "pre-inspection" on Monday with the housing company and I'm going to ask them to fix it cause I have to sweep at least 4-6 times a day just to keep the house from looking like the sand pit outside. The dogs seem to like being able to actually use their dog kennel that we bought for them so long ago but never got to use cause of how swampy my old house was in the back yard.

After the drama I heard about that went down in the old neighborhood last night, I am really glad I did choose to move out. I don't know all the details but I was woken up at 4 am by my friend that still lives in the neighborhood (2 doors down from my old house) telling me that our neighbor across the streets husband, (who is home on R&R) just found out she had been cheating on him while he was in Iraq and went postal. He didn't actually hurt anyone but there was such a commotion that it woke her up from a dead sleep and that they were actually in her yard fighting. I obviously didn't witness anything but I guess 4 MP cars with 2 MPs per vehicle showed up and started searching the neighborhood for the husband cause he said he had a gun and wanted to kill himself. Yeah, scary stuff. I am just glad I wasn't there to have to listen to it cause I guess it went on from about 2am-6am this morning. I was on the phone with my friend from 4-5 am and it had started to finally calm down. I don't' know what had actually happened after that but we did see the husband this afternoon get dropped off at the house. I'm just glad to be out of there and away from the drama. So far, the people in this new area are quiet and keep to themselves which is what I like. I just meet the lady that lives 2 doors down from me and she seems to be nice. They just moved here from Fort Stewart, GA.

Well, I'm rambling cause I only got about 5 hrs of sleep and I am just so slap happy. I hope the blog makes sense. OH I do have some sad news. The other day, 1 soldier was killed while out on a mission by a suicide bomber and 3 others were wounded but later in the day returned to duty. They were part of the 103rd CO which is part of the 94th En Co. (Unit Matt is in). Another soldier was killed in the same bombing and another wounded but they were part of the 84th En Co which is replacing Matt's unit. My heart goes out to the families in their time of need. It's just so sad it had to happen to them with the Holiday's and the fact that they are days/weeks from coming home. I will sure be praying for them.

Well, I hope you all have a good weekend. I am going to rest cause I am extremely busy this next week with appointment after appointment. We love you all!

RIP my dear friend....

You know, it's amazing how one phone call can change the out look of not only a day but the rest of your life. My friend, Shana, was found dead yesterday morning by her parents. When her sister called to tell me yesterday morning, I was in complete shock. I had just talked to her the night before. I'm still in shock. It hasn't really set in yet but it's starting to. The cause of death was complications due to her Sleep Apnea. She had a severe case of it. I am not able to travel 10 hrs to go to her services and it hurts me. I'm pretty close to Shana's sister as well and I told her I felt horrible that I couldn't come. She assures me that even though I won't be there, I will be. (if that makes any sense).

For those of you that don't know, Shana, is a little person, along with her mom and sister. They have opened my eyes so much more and I have a greater respect for them. The challenges they have to face daily are just amazing and yet they keep trucking along. They are so strong spirited and don't let the little things in life get to them.

I meet Shana while I was working at clothing and sales. She was always able to make people laugh and has helped me greatly through this deployment. She was always there when I was having a hard day. I'm really going to miss her.

Chicken Fried

Chicken Fried is a newer country song that I have come to love. I've heard the song several times on the radio but never really listened to the words. I was sitting here just now reading the lyrics to it while listening to it and got a whole new appreciation for the song. I don't know if it's just my hormones lately but every time anyone mentions our freedom or something about our soldiers, I get a little teary eyed. It just means so much to me that there are still people out there that care about what our soldiers are doing. And coming to the end of our first deployment, I have a HIGHER respect for any service member.

When I was home in July, I was at the carnival with my mom, sister, her kids and grandma. I was going to get some water for us and I saw a Staff Sergeant (SSG), former Drill Sergeant (SGT) and I walked up to him without hesitation and thanked him for his services and then his beautiful wife walked up and I thanked her too for her services and sacrifices cause I know exactly how it feels to be away from the one you love for so long.

Then just last week I was talking to my mom and she shared a similar experience with me. She was in Kmart and had the little bag that Matt had brought home for her (it has Winne the Pooh on it- she love Pooh Bear) and a young girl, probably still in High School, asked her if her brother or someone she knew was over seas. My mom said Yes, my son-in-law and the girl asked my mom to tell Matt thank you for his services. Needless to say, I had to hold back the tears. It's so rare for kids to even think about thanking a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman, or anyone else in the Military. Now don't get me wrong, I have NO idea what is going on over there as far as the Iraqis but from what I get from listening to Matt and other soldiers that have been over there, this war isn't for nothing.

Any ways. Just thought I would share those with everyone. We are on the home stretch of Matt coming home. He was kicked out of his living quarters yesterday and is staying in "Tent City" (that's what he called it) They have their final customs inspection today and then it just the waiting game. They will have absolutely nothing to do.

You all have a great day! Love you!


This is a nice link. My Uncle Bill sent it to me. I sent out an email with it as well..

http://www.cpmsglife.org/tg/2006tdm1.html

Another update and vent blog

OK so a quick update about the housing thing. I have a new house. I will find out hopefully tomorrow if Matt's Unit is going to move me or not but I'm pretty sure they will. I don't know the exact date I will be moving in but the new address will be posted on the side for you all. I will also be letting Uncle Dee know of the update for the new Family Roster. I will let you know when I will be moving into it...

So, as you can see, I've been pretty stressed about the entire housing issue, trying to move, the holidays, Matt coming home and then being pregnant all add up. Yeah, I'm stressed. This past week has really been a big tole on me physically, mentally and emotionally. There is about 3 weeks (give or take) until Matt gets home and I can't wait but at the same time I'm scared just because it's going to be a huge adjustment. I've been living on my own for 14 months and it's going to be hard on both of us. Then pretty much anytime after Christmas, we will be welcoming our daughter into this world. Can you say STRESS GALORE!! Don't get me wrong I'm besides myself with happiness and excitement but at the same time, I'm scared just cause everything is changing and it's all a first for me. I've always had a hard time with change. I don't like it but I do realize it's a part of life and I do my best to adjust with it.
Then to add to my stress, my friend who is 33 weeks along (3 further along than I am) started having severe complications last night and the hospital ended up sending her home after 4-5 hrs of observation and getting the contractions and bleeding stopped only for her to end up right back there this morning with the same problems. They have now transferred her to a hospital in Columbia, 2 hrs away, where there is a NICU in case they had to go ahead and deliver her little boy. They will have to take him by C-section because she has a didelphic uterus (2 uterus'), 2 cervixes and endometreosis. On top of that, Dylan is breach and can't be turned. I am the one that got stuck taking care of her 3 dogs. Which I really don't have a problem with but then I do cause I have my own dogs and I have to concentrate on packing up and moving. I'm just frustrated and I'm doing my best to take it easy and just trying to tell my self everything will be OK.
I'm just ready for Matt to get home. These past few weeks have been kinda tough on me. I see my friends with their husbands and I'm just ready to be done being the 3rd wheel. It's getting hard for me to watch any kind of show that has any kind of lovey dovey stuff in it just cause I'm jealous and the anxiety and suspense is starting to get to me. The sad thing is, Matt is going back to training in May and will be gone for 2 and a half months again. Then we will be moving to our new duty station. *SIGH* I am just so overwhelmed with life at the moment. I need a break but I don't for see it in my future anytime soon. To much to do, so little time.

Thanks for letting me vent. I feel better just to have it written down. I promise I am just fine I just had to get that all off my chest. Well, I best be going. I have LOTS of packing to try to get done. Happy Thanksgiving. I love you all.

Update

Ok so the past week has been (to put it bluntly) Hell on wheels. To make a really long story short, I have gotten the housing company here on base to move me cause of all the construction going on in the 3 houses surrounding me. I don't know exactly where I'm being moved to (it will still be here on base) or when but I should hopefully find out on Monday. From my understanding, some of the soldiers in the Rear Detachment will be moving me, but I still don't know everything that is going on. I will let you all know more when I know...

On a lighter note- I was reading the post newspaper just now and they are talking a lot about Matt's unit coming home. Here are the links of the 2 stories in the paper mentioning it.

http://myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9521&Itemid=39


http://myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9512&Itemid=39

Rock Band 2

Saturday night, early Sunday morning after a GREAT breakfast and tonight after us girls carved our pumpkins, Jennifer, her husband David, Kayla, her husband Cory, and I all got together and played Rock Band 2. Well the boys and I played anyway. Here are some pictures from Saturday night.. and a couple from yesterday morning.

Sunday morning right after Breakfast.. Buddy and me chilling for a bit. I had a lot to eat and I was really full. Couldn't really move.

Me trying to play the drums and Kayla was about to make fun of me when Jennifer took this picutre.

This was my first attempt on drums. It's a lot harder than it looks. I had fun though but I think I'll stick to the Guitar.

Cory rocking out.. He did great for his first time ever playing the game.


David taking a short breather between songs.


David, (Kayla munching on some cake) Cory and I all concentrating really hard on a song. We all had a lot of fun. Can't wait to do it again.






Oh, and it's not as easy as it looks... trying to play a guitar with a belly. You kinda have to play it on the side instead of right in front of ya. I figured it's easier to kick back in the recliner and play.

Needless to say, the past 3 days have been a lot of fun. It's going to be sad when Jennifer and David move away.

The only thing I'm doing for Halloween this year...

Well, the only thing I did for Halloween this year was carve a pumpkin. I haven't carved one in 5 years and thought that it would be fun to do. Here are 2 pics of it....

Working hard...

Final project... I actually messed up but still looks good...

I'm still debating on if I want to carve my other one or just find a cute design to paint on it. It took me close to 2 hrs to carve just this one. I had fun though. Kayla and Jennifer's pumpkins turned out cute too!

It's Official. We are having a Girl!

Yesterday, I went down to Sprinfield and had an Ultrasound done for fun. Here are some pictures.

As you can see, Sarah was not one bit shy!

Her Cute Little Foot!!

I love this picture. Both hands and one foot!

The perfect Profile picture. This was the last picture she did before she showed me the 3D.

This wasn't part of the package but she ended up printing it off for me anyway.

I think she looks a little like me but we will have to wait and see.

Getting bigger and definately feeling it.

25 weeks

(& 6 days if you want to get technical) =D

Here are some pictures of my baby shower back on Sept. 21st. Most of the gifts were just clothes but I did get a diaper genie and a bottle warmer. Here are a few pictures of some of my favorites. I will post a few more later.

I absolutely LOVE the ruffles on the bum!!

Shana's mom made this! Love it! They also gave me some really cute clothes too.

When I showed Matt these, he busted out laughing. I thought it was really cute!

Another home made blanket from my friend Jennifer. The back is a light yellow.

Some other news. I am currently treating an Oral Thresh (a yeast infection in my mouth). It's not been a fun week but it is slowly getting better. The doctor I saw just said to eat yogurt and if it didn't seem to help then he would prescribe me a mouth wash.

I spoke with Matt the other night and I have some good news. He has confirmed that he WILL be home before Christmas. I'm not going to say the date but if you want to know, just ask Nancy. I was able to tell her in "code" (for security reasons) the actual date. He has also decided that we won't be taking any leave time until we have the baby. He wants to be able to let me recover and to be able to bond with his new daughter. We are still not sure if we will be able to come home this spring or not but we will keep you up dated on that.

Not much else is new. Just trying to enjoy every day but it is starting to get a little more uncomfortable and harder to get off my couches. :) Her kicks are starting to get stronger but I have yet to actually feel her kick my hand. She is really active though. Kinda fun actually. I can't really describe how it feels. Bubbles comes to mind.

OH OH!! We've decided on a name. We will be naming her Sarah Mackenzi. Sarah is Hebrew for "Princess" and Mackenzi is Irish for "child of the wise leader". We are excited!!

Pictures

This is me at 16 weeks...

And this was yesterday, 19.5 weeks.

IT'S A GIRL!

And the baby is......

Well, it looks like we are having a girl. The Ultrasound tech wouldn't guarantee it but I'm confident that it will be a girl. I have a follow-up on the 18th to go over everything and hopefully then it will be guaranteed. So yeah. Hope you are all as excited as I am. Matt still doesn't know but will hopefully call me when he gets off of the mission he is currently on. Now I can definitely guarantee that he is going to be thrilled... he wanted to have a girl so. Anyways. I will try to figure out how to scan the pictures into my computer and post them later tonight or sometime this week. Love ya all!

Just a note

Hey, Just wanted to post a quick comment. Not to much new has been going on. On Tues Sept. 9th we will be finding out what we are having. Hopefully the baby won't be shy about letting us know. My friends are throwing me a baby shower at the end of the month because one of my good friends here is moving and really wants to be here for it and is actually helping host it. I will be posting what we are having soon after I find out. Sadly Matt might not get to find out that day. He might be leaving for a mission at the beginning of the week and I don't know how long he will be gone. We have talked about it and he told me to go ahead and let people know just as long as I am the one to tell him what we are having. I will be calling as many people as I can. But please don't feel offended if I don't get a hold of you.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Love ya all!

This is what it looked like the day I had it colored

(July 28th)

and this is what is looks like now.

(Aug. 12th)

It was pointed out to me that it's been almost 2 months since I posted anything. I honestly didn't realize it had been that long so I appologize. As you all know, I got to come home for a week last month and I enjoyed it. I did expend my stay but was sick for the days I extened so I didn't get to see anyone. While I was home, I ended up cutting about 6 inches off my hair and dying it. I liked it at first but I honestly don't like it much anymore. I can't wait until it grows back out and the color really starts to fade.

As far as the baby goes, I will be 16 weeks on Saturday and I have a follow up appointment on the 22nd of this month. I hope to be able to find out what we are having sometime next month. I personally think we are having a boy but Matt is convinced it's a girl. I honestly don't know though. I keep going back and forth. Everyone tells me that it's going to be a girl cause now that I've started showing and I'm carrying kind of high. I don't know though. I don't believe many of the "old wives tales". My morning sickness and nausea is slowly starting to get better but I still have my ups and downs. I can't wait until I've over come it though but today seems to be one of those days I can't beat.

Well, I hope that helps a little. I will try to post another blog after my appointment next week but I'm not going to promise anything =D.
Love you all!

Just a Hello

Well, there have been some changes since Matt has left. On May 26th, I took a home pregnancy test and it came back positive. We were on the phone when I was able to tell him if he was going to be a daddy or not. The next day I went to the Hospital and had a blood test to confirm it, and yes, I am offically pregnant. I have been experience HORRIBLE morning sickness and I've been extremely dizzy. But so far, I've only thrown up once. Thank goodness. I had my "orentation" on June 10th, to get me into their Maternity system and I was talking with the OB/GYN Nurse and she said everything that I'm experiencing is normal. Some women just have a hard time with dealing and I guess I'm one of them. My first official doctor's appointment is July 7th. I will actually meet my Doctor face to face and be told exactly how far along I am. The Nurse estimated me to be about 6 weeks. Well acutally, if I follow that, today, I am now 7 weeks. Matt and I are very excited but I am also a little scared. I have NO idea what to expect and/or if anything I am experience is normal. I've been calling family already asking what they experienced and if it's normal. I have been reading two different books and they are pretty educational but still doesn't answer all my questions all the time. Matt and I will find out what the sex is when that time comes but as of this moment, he is convinced it's a girl. I honestly don't know and I really don't care as long as I am healthy and the baby is healthy. I have an appointment with a nutritionist on the 24th of this month to help me with my nutritional needs and pretty much educate me cause I have NO idea. I've never really known better when it comes to food and what is healthy or not. Obviously somethings are obvious but others, not so much to me.
I have quit my job and that is just a long story in its self and really don't want to get into it at the moment. So, my goal now that I am a housewife is to do some deep cleaning, stay healthy and to train my two monsters of dogs. LOL. No they have been really good actually. They don't jump on me anymore and they know that there is something different and don't crawl all over me like they use to. They are still annoying in their own little ways but they are my dogs, what can you expect. =)
We are very excited but worried at the same time. This was a planned pregnancy but it still kinda took me by surprise. I don't know why but I honestly don't think it has completely set in yet. I will be keeping everyone up to date the best I can and I hope everyone is doing well. I sure miss everyone and unfortunately, I will not be able to come home this summer or for Christmas so that we can save some money and get some other bills paid off. We love you all very much and can't wait to hear from you all!

With lots of love!!
Kayci

BACK TO THE SAND BOX

Matt left on the 19th from R&R to return to the Sand Box. The weather this week is High 104, Low 69.

Hello from R&R

Hello everyone, I am offically on R&R. I arrived in the states Apr 30, 08. Kayci and I have had fun relaxing. Kayci and I went to Branson, at a Bed and Breakfast, named Hummingbird Inn. The stay was amazing and went and saw several museums and attractions. This past week, i have been lazy and relaxing. I well be leaving for Iraq for the second time on May 19, 08. I will have only 7 months to go and counting down. I sould be home in Utah sometime around Mid January.

I miss you guys and am always thinking of you. I miss my nephews and nieces, and want pictures, any pictures, even cd's with pictures. I do feel that i am missing alot in the family and miss you all. Sorry if i dont call as much and am very busy and i try to call when i can. I love you all and i will try to keep in touch.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

On plane - Headed to duty station in Iraq.

First few days out of the country.

Breakfast food - YUMMMM

Water in Arabic

Leaving Fort Leonard Wood for Iraq in October 2007

Matt and Kayci on the day he left for Iraq back in October 2007

GOOD NEWS

MATT is reinlisting on Friday, March 28th. He got what he wanted!! On May 29, 2009, he will be going to Ft Jackson, SC to attend school to be a Para-legal. He will be at school for 9 weeks and then who knows where he will be stationed but he is sooooo excited to get this new MOS. He got his security clearance and his boss has been fighting to get this reinlistment. It helped to know that he will also be getting a signing bonus.

CONGRATULATIONS - MATT

We love you. Be safe.

GOOD TIMES on vacation in Utah before being deployed.

We talked to Matt yesterday. He got to talk to Mike, Steve, Aaron and Jeni and of course me, his mom. He sounded good and shared that he has gained some weight. He was pretty proud of the fact that he had changed out an engine and was going to start on a BUCKET LOADER in changing out the engine and transmission. He is hoping for his first day off since Christmas this coming Sunday. He no longer is responsible for the Tool Box and is pretty happy about that. He has been playing Sudoku, chess and checkers.

Be safe Matt - We love you.

Matt sent this santa candle to me from Iraq. It was made in Iraq and has a light dusting of sand on it. I have put in under glass to treasure for years to come.

Conversation with Matt

Matt called this morning while I was at work and we talked for a time. It was good to hear his voice and to know that he is safe. He has been a welder on a couple of missions and enjoys the change. He has been responsible for the FRESH (Forward Repair System) since before he left for war. The FRESH unit costs $270,000.00. It is a locker of tools that they use to repair the vehicles. As of the end of the month, that responsibility will be passed on to someone else taking a weight from Matt's shoulders and allowing to get his jobs done without interruption. The bad on that is that he will be going on more missions with the WRECKER - the Mobile Repair Unit. The motor sargent is a man that Matt respects greatly and who works longer hours. The motor pool has not had a day off since Christmas.

He was able to change a transmission all by himself in 2 days and felt really good about that accomplishment.

He likes the work that he is doing and glad to be serving. He reports that the poverty is great in Iraq and even something as small as a pen is a treat for the children there.

It is hard to get to a computer and he is trying to get the internet installed in his room. We hope that happens soon. Also getting to the post office with no days off is impossible so we continue to wait for the pictures that he has ready to send.

The big news is that he was able to get a few new pairs of coverall's, which is better that the one pair that he had. The military gives him $55 a month for clothes and so he has a good supply of socks, tee shirts and such.

He is honing his skills in chess and checkers which is plays with buddies close to him. He as gained alittle weight (YEAH) and is trying to eat healthy and with more variety. Although he still loves SUGAR.

He said that they had a "Black Out" the other day and couldn't call. When I asked what that was and if it happened often, he explained that it happens frequently and is where all communication to the outside world is turned off. It happens when a soldier dies and for the reason of keeping it quiet until the family has been notified by the military and not CNN.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KAYCI

We all know that Matt is far away but your family wishes you the best birthday, full of love and joy in knowing that Matt is serving our country and that he loves you!!

Kayci talks to Matt frequently. I hear from him every couple of weeks. Kayci and I IM frequently and she shares with me how he is doing. Over the last month, Matt has moved to a new room with only one room mate. He works long hours during the day trying to keep ahead of all the vehicles that need repairs. He does PT - physical training in the evenings. He says that there is so much work to do that he has not had a day off since Christmas. I was trying to understand the living conditions and got a good laugh from him. He is in a room that is about 12X10. There is a cold shower down the hall, the hot shower is a walk from where he is. The "bathroom", really known as the "porta potty" is behind his living quarters. He works in a place that is across from his room - like being across the cul-de-sac. The dining room is further away. He doesn't take the time to eat all the time since he is so busy. He says he is tired all the time and so busy that thinking of home is not a big problem for him. Although, I am sure he has his moments of home sickness.

Getting to a compter is really hard for him because of the lines and time. So he has not gotten emails or seen the blog. He did say that he has pictures to send but has had a hard time getting to the post office to mail them. When he does, I will post pictures.

We are proud of you Matt and pray for your safety. Mom and Dad

These are Matt's children. Taz and Red. I talked to Matt this morning and he had a Motor Pool Inspection where our of 5 other Motor Pools in his Batallion they got an excellect rating. Way to go - MATT. He has PT most days and there is a PT test on Wednesday.

Spare time is watching movies and playing Guitar Hero - he is working on expert.

The motor pool is very close to where he sleeps and he works 12 hour days. There has been no days off for the past 2 1/2 weeks.

He has 2 room mates now and has one empty wall that he would like to have pictures of family on. So - if you get a chance - send pictures. Bathroom is a port a poty behind his building and the HOT Shower is 2 - 300 meters away.

He is in good spirits and sends his love.

Nancy/MOM

Hey

Ok so my mind just went blank on what I was going to tell everyone...... OH!

Well, I talk to Matt yesterday and he seemed to be in a good mood. He really hates the post his is on. He said that he is no longer in a "war zone" but on a training post. He said that the post he is on is worse than Fort Leonard Wood and that is saying a lot. They are really nit picky about everything and anything they can be. Things that you would think they wouldn't care about since they are at war but I guess not. He is just mad at the higher up people and just irritated. Other than that he is doing pretty good. Since he is so busy, I don't get to talk to him much. Like Nancy said, he is working really long hours. I was lucky to get to talk to him as long as I did yesterday.

He wants everyone to know that he loves the packages he is getting and to keep sending more. He wants all of his siblings to start sending pictures. He is feeling homesick and he wants to be able to come home from a long day to familiar faces on the wall. He wants lots of pictures of the kids too!
He is LOVING the Oreos! and he wants more. =)

Well, that's all I have for now. I love you all and can't wait to hear from ya!

Love always,
Kayci

NEW YEAR - Matt is TIRED - cause he is so busy. He works 10-12 hour days with someone bringing him food to eat at the motor pool. The vehicles are in bad shape and the sand makes it so that they are super busy. Time off for him is few and far between. He loves movies and CANDY and homemade treats. The weather there is cold but in a couple of months it will start heating up. I can only imagine how hot it will be in the motor pool where there is no air conditioning. His room does have a/c and so does the mess hall.

I am trying to get him to send some pictures but he is so busy that getting them mailed has become almost impossible. Hopefully we can get some sent to us soon and I will post them on the blog.